Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds profound significance for Shi’a Muslims. Its first ten days are traditionally associated with mourning, remembrance and reflection, culminating in Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram. In 2026, Ashura was observed on June 25. In Piraeus, Greece, I witnessed a mourning ceremony in which members of the Pakistani Shi’a community took part.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds profound significance for Shi’a Muslims. Its first ten days are traditionally associated with mourning, remembrance and reflection, culminating in Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram. In 2026, Ashura was observed on June 25. In Piraeus, Greece, I witnessed a mourning ceremony in which members of the Pakistani Shi’a community took part.
For Shi’a Muslims, Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, together with members of his family and his companions. His refusal to submit to the rule of the Umayyad caliph Yazid became a powerful symbol of resistance to injustice, oppression and tyranny.
For Shi’a Muslims, Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, together with members of his family and his companions. His refusal to submit to the rule of the Umayyad caliph Yazid became a powerful symbol of resistance to injustice, oppression and tyranny.
The striking objects visible in the photographs are associated with Shi’a mourning traditions. The large decorative standards are known as alam. They are carried in Ashura processions and symbolically represent the banners and standards associated with Imam Husayn and the martyrs of Karbala.
The striking objects visible in the photographs are associated with Shi’a mourning traditions. The large decorative standards are known as alam. They are carried in Ashura processions and symbolically represent the banners and standards associated with Imam Husayn and the martyrs of Karbala.
The hand-shaped emblem at the centre is particularly associated with Abbas ibn Ali, Husayn’s half-brother and a revered figure remembered for his loyalty and sacrifice. The black fabrics surrounding the display express mourning, while the flowers and elaborate decorations create a devotional and memorial atmosphere.
The hand-shaped emblem is particularly associated with Abbas ibn Ali, Husayn’s half-brother and a revered figure remembered for his loyalty and sacrifice. The black fabrics surrounding the display express mourning, while the flowers and elaborate decorations create a devotional and memorial atmosphere.
One of the most disturbing aspects of Ashura, which I also witnessed, is ritual self-flagellation practiced by some Shi’a communities. Participants may beat their chests or backs as an expression of grief and identification with the suffering of Imam Husayn. In some communities, more extreme forms of ritual involve striking or cutting the body and drawing blood. These practices are controversial among Shi’a Muslims and are neither practiced nor accepted by all Shi’a communities.
One of the most disturbing aspects of Ashura, which I also witnessed, is ritual self-flagellation practiced by some Shi’a communities. Participants may beat their chests or backs as an expression of grief and identification with the suffering of Imam Husayn. In some communities, more extreme forms of ritual involve striking or cutting the body and drawing blood. These practices are controversial among Shi’a Muslims and are neither practiced nor accepted by all Shi’a communities.
Today, Shi’a Muslims commemorate Ashura in many different ways: through prayers, Qur’an recitations, sermons, elegies, processions, mourning ceremonies, charitable distribution of food and drink, and visits to shrines. In Karbala, Iraq, millions of pilgrims gather around the shrines of Imam Husayn and Imam Abbas. Elsewhere, Shi’a communities preserve the memory of Karbala through their own local traditions.
Today, Shi’a Muslims commemorate Ashura in many different ways: through prayers, Qur’an recitations, sermons, elegies, processions, mourning ceremonies, charitable distribution of food and drink, and visits to shrines. In Karbala, Iraq, millions of pilgrims gather around the shrines of Imam Husayn and Imam Abbas. Elsewhere, Shi’a communities preserve the memory of Karbala through their own local traditions.
At its heart, Ashura is not a celebration but a day of mourning and remembrance — an annual return to the story of Karbala and to the ideals of sacrifice, loyalty, justice and resistance to oppression.
At its heart, Ashura is not a celebration but a day of mourning and remembrance — an annual return to the story of Karbala and to the ideals of sacrifice, loyalty, justice and resistance to oppression.One of the most disturbing aspects of Ashura, which I also witnessed, is ritual self-flagellation practiced by some Shi’a communities. Participants may beat their chests or backs as an expression of grief and identification with the suffering of Imam Husayn. In some communities, more extreme forms of ritual involve striking or cutting the body and drawing blood. These practices are controversial among Shi’a Muslims and are neither practiced nor accepted by all Shi’a communities.Today, Shi’a Muslims commemorate Ashura in many different ways: through prayers, Qur’an recitations, sermons, elegies, processions, mourning ceremonies, charitable distribution of food and drink, and visits to shrines. In Karbala, Iraq, millions of pilgrims gather around the shrines of Imam Husayn and Imam Abbas. Elsewhere, Shi’a communities preserve the memory of Karbala through their own local traditions.Remembering Karbala
Religion: Shi’a Islam
Mourning tradition: Ashura
Place: Piraeus, Greece
Community: Pakistani Shi’a immigrants
Date: 25 June 2026
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