Slideshow: Ashura, the Unique Face of Shia Islam | Religion | FRONTLINE | PBS.
The holy day of Ashura marks the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, in a historic seventh century battle. The Battle of Karbala, as it’s known, cemented the schism between Sunni and Shia Muslims that arose from a succession dispute after the prophet’s death.
Every year around Ashura, the media is flooded with images of blood-soaked Shias self-flagellating. But Shias around the world — who make up between 10 to 13 percent of Muslims – observe the month in a myriad of ways. This year Ashura was observed on Tuesday. The photos below — some taken by worshipers themselves — illustrate how Shias commemorate the event that defines what they believe is a central narrative of their faith: justice in the face of oppression.