Moroccans observe Achoura rituals
2007-01-26
Achoura celebrations began last week in Morocco with prayers, games, toys and food abounding throughout the region. Many of the traditions during this maintain the social relationships that distinguish the region's society.
Text and photos by Imane Belhaj from Casablanca -- 26/01/07
 Kids playing with their tambourines and Ta'arija |
Moroccans began celebrating Achoura on January 20th -- the first day of Muharram (the Islamic New Year) -- and will continue through Muharram 10th -- a day when they fast in emulation of the Prophet Mohammed, who fasted on this day out of gratitude for God saving the Prophet Moses.
It is an occasion to pray and distribute alms to the poor and those in need. But Achoura is also tied to games and play, along with banquets special to this occasion. "We can’t forego the kadida, which is a piece of meat from Eid Al-Adha dried in the sun after being seasoned with spices and saved until Achoura, when the housewife makes a kettle containing a specific number of kadida ground together and invites family, neighbours and friends to partake," housewife Zoubida Doukkali says.
Many families also prepare types of dried fruit, almonds and walnuts (Guarguaa’), dates, raisins, dried figs and peanuts and offer them to family on a large dish -- from which all family members and guests at the house that day eat, in a scene of total confusion.
"Even if the children go overboard in eating these fruits, we won’t scold them, because that’s a bad omen. Further, that dish must be emptied on this day, leaving nothing behind for tomorrow," Rachida Sebbagh, the mother of three children, said.
Customs differ from one region to the next.
In small towns, young women go out each evening after school in groups and beat rhythms on ta’arija -- small drums or tambourines made of clay and sheepskin. This kindles singing and beating on tambourines on the night of Achoura, or the ninth day of Muharram, which is marked by a final celebration that children excel in -- sha’al. During this ritual, a fire is lit in the neighbourhood square, and young people try to keep it burning long into the evening -- usually using rubber tyres for this purpose. They leap over the blaze in acrobatic movements accompanied by the beat of the ta’arija, accompanied by folk songs women have passed down over the years. According to some, the fire ritual goes back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim.
In some areas, such as Casablanca and Rabat/Sale, throughout the days of Achoura young people go out to throw water at each other, forming teams, with victory going to whomever gets the most members of the rival team wet.
This celebratory atmosphere was extremely limited in the past, when it was confined to friends within a single neighbourhood or neighbouring communities. But today, the young men no longer exempt anyone from their contest and, perhaps, in some cases to agitate young women in particular. "This creates some confrontation," says Mubarak, a shop owner who has watched the development of Achoura celebrations over the years.
Buying toys is another popular activity during Achoura. The Darb Amar market in Casablanca is considered the biggest toy market in the kingdom, selling items retail and wholesale.
"Truly, it’s a very favourable opportunity for us to market our goods that lose much of their appeal the rest of the year. And prices, despite their increase, remain within reach of most sectors of society. There are games costing less than 10 dirhams at other times that reach 1,000 dirhams," toy store owner Meiloud said.
 Merchants selling dried fruits in the streets of Casablanca. |
Moroccans associate Achoura with a mythical character they call Baba Aichour -- considered the Maghreb's Santa Claus. The legend appeared in the songs of young women accompanying their ornamented ta’arija and shouting: "Baba Aichour Aichour. I showed you my feelings."
Giving zakat, or alms, to the poor and children is called "the duty of Baba Aichour".
Some people believe the period of Achoura is an occasion to acquire good fortune and search for happiness. Some young women turn to the shawaafa (seer), who works to reveal their destiny and obstacles that stand in the way of their marriage. Or they resort to a fkih (a psychic) claiming to have knowledge of the supernatural and to reveal to them the magic to which they have been subjected and which requires talismans written with a special type of ink.
"We preserve some of the traditions as part of maintaining the social relationships that distinguish our Moroccan society and that concern preserving family cohesion, the bond of kinship and sowing joy in children’s hearts. But when that faith crosses over into superstitions and magicians, this is unacceptable and must be combated, because it goes against Islamic morals," Doukalli says.
Email to a friend
Print version
Jose Maria Fortuna Posted 2007-01-28
I was pleased to read the articles on Achoura, as I live in Portugal. I like to know more about what is underway in Morocco. I go there three or four times a year, as well as during the holidays. Greetings, Jose.
A ma chère fille Kawtar Posted 2007-01-29
Happy Achoura!
rabia Posted 2007-01-29
Happy Achoura!
abdou Posted 2007-01-29
Happy Achoura
KAED Posted 2007-01-31
TO MY DEAR MOTHER HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BEST WISHES FOR A HEALTHY HAPPY LONG LIFE
laila Posted 2007-02-01
I am in love!
khadija Posted 2007-02-02
Eid Mubarak for all Morocco
سمير Posted 2007-02-03
I love beauty!
Anonymous Posted 2007-02-04
I like this kind of article that reminds us values we are proud of, because of its spiritual and religious aspect. The Achoura is also an opportunity to welcome kids… and mabrouk aawachrkoum.
بحريني Posted 2007-02-04
Ashoura is the day when Imam Hussein son of Ali bin Abi Taleb peace be upon was martyred. He is the grandson of your Prophet Muhammed peace be upon him and you celebrate with joy?
جهاد الحمداني Posted 2007-02-05
Happy Ashoura!
sammy Posted 2007-02-06
re to bahrainy, mister we are north africans, malikit, sunni, that means we aren't bahrainy's shiaa, your day of ashoura is a bloody day sectarian one it's your sad day .our ashoura is a happy day is the day we thak god for saving moses, the day we faste out of gratitude of what god did to the profet moses, it's also a day we distribute alams to the poor and all those in need, you see the differance we are sunni malikit and you're shiaa still live thinking in revanche, every north african have a bit of judaïsm and christianity in him . so please leave the people enjoy their day keep you with your middel east troubles.
florence Posted 2007-02-24
I like to find explanations to traditional Moroccan rites, this wonderful country where i could discover generosity. To understand people, you have to deal with their daily lives. Thank you to Magharebia for showing all this to us, Europeans.
chouchou Posted 2007-10-28
I'm a Moroccan girl, I have experienced these celebrations but your article still explained many things I didn't know before.
amina Posted 2007-11-10
Hi, I hope you have a great day at Achoura.
ماجد Posted 2007-12-03
Moroccans say that they thank God for saving Moses. Is Moses closer to God than the last of messengers (peace and prayer be upon him), to the point that you celebrate the rescue of Moses and forget the martyrdom of the descendant of the messenger of God and master of the youth of paradise?
nabila Posted 2007-12-03
Tonight are the celebrations- here's the henna and socks! Nabila llollhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
زينب Posted 2007-12-13
I repent to God, you’re right, you’re Westerners, the day of Achoura is the day of martyrdom when the Imam Al Housseine, peace upon him, was killed, the day of sadness….And you celebrate it, you’re mad, may God guide, peace to the followers of the right path.
محمد Posted 2007-12-24
Are you happy on the day when the leader of the youth of paradise was killed ????!!!! Didn't the prophet said that Al Hassan and Al Hussein are the leaders of the youth of paradise!? So how do you celebrate the day when Al Hussein was killed, the day on which Al Hussein was slain, his family and daughters were imprisoned. I won’t be astonished if a calamity or a catastrophe happens, because these are some of the acts which cause the anger of God. For God we are and to god we shall return.
jihade Posted 2007-12-29
Happy Eid I hope that 2008 will bring you health and peace inchallah.
احمد Posted 2007-12-30
I swear this is blasphemy! What have you become you Muslims? How dare you celebrate the day when the very offspring of our Prophet martyred themselves? And you call this a day of victory? God damn you traitors of your own apostle!
حبيبي حسين بن علي Posted 2007-12-31
Oh people of Morocco, what you do on the day of Achoura is awful and ugly. What’s the difference between you and those who maltreated the prophet from the west with your acts which beat the heart of the prophet (peace upon him) in his beloved Lahoucine.
عمر Posted 2008-01-01
In the name of God. The day of Achoura in Islam is a day of fasting and presentation of religious events which happened that day. Throughout hsitory there are in Islam only Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and Friday. What we read in this topic are just inherited traditions.
عمر Posted 2008-01-04
Thank you for writing this great topic, I wish Arabs a blessed and happy Achoura.
مهدي جبل عامل Posted 2008-01-05
In the name of God. The only thing we can do is pray for these people who ignore the meaning of Achoura, Imam Al Houssein and the meaning of the sacrifice he made to maintain the dear religion, and we see the Mujahids of the Islamic resistance and boosted victory in July 2006 as the best evidence to the rightness of the path and way of the Imam El Houssein who should be the idol and torch for all the Muslims and free people in the world and not celebrate intentional. Does the most honourable prophet accept such celebrations which hurt him. We ask God Almighty to unite us under the flag of pure Mohammedan Islam and follow the path of Imam Al Houssein until we defeat our enemies.
مهدي احمد Posted 2008-01-05
In Hisname the Almighty, respect your mind and religion my brother. The Islamic nation has never witnessed such a calamity since the ascension to the Caliphate by Yazid Ben Mouaoouiya from the era of the prophet peace and prayer upon him to these days. As if I’m looking at El Houssein God bless him when he remained on the war field, he turned left and right, saw no one defending the family of the prophet and he started shouting: ‘Is there no one to defend us? Is there a supporter to support me?...Yes these words are uttered by Al Houssein; history has never witnessed someone like him in science, seriousness, determination and following the path of his grandfather. And you who make celebrations on the day he was killed as martyr, do you expect the recommendation of his grandfather on the day of judgment??? Respect your mind, your religion, shield yourself from being contaminated by the concepts of the deluded of yesterday and today. Peace on those who followed the right path.
سعدي العويشي Posted 2008-01-06
In the name of God who created man and honoured him with reason. Reasonable men should look at the succession of events to find the truth. If anyone is reasonable, he should look for the path, the news, the day the occasion for joy or sorrow and see who has build religion and who has destroyed.
أم علي البلوشي Posted 2008-01-07
Peace on El Hussein, Ali son of El Hussein, the sons of El Hussein and the companions of El Hussein and mercy and blessings of God…When the head of Imam El Hussein, his family, El Houachem and companions and entered Al-Sham, its people beat on drums, shouting and happy, they called them disobedient to the rule of the prince Yazid. My question is, have the people of Morocco read history to know who is Imam Al Hussein, his origins, acts and good deeds, who is Yazid, origins and acts; then choose between paradise and hell. And who is the killer and the killed ? We ask God guidance to all Muslims.
جهاد لبنان Posted 2008-01-07
In the name of God. To those who claim Islam, by God I’m sorry to see people who pretend to be Muslims and know nothing about Achoura. Do you celebrate the killing of the grandson of the messenger of God (peace and prayer on him). The day on which blood triumphed the sword, haven’t you heard the saying of the messenger of God Mohammed (peace and prayer on him) “El Housein is part of me and I’m part of him”. By God, if it weren’t for the revolution of El Hussein, Islam won’t have lasted. Do you play with water on that day, don’t you know that the grandson of the messenger of God (peace and prayer on him) was killed and he was thirsty. Discussion is long and is not complete. But my advice to you is to look for reality. Every drop of blood in my veins is shouting your name Hussein. (a verse of a poem).
فاسطيني سني Posted 2008-01-09
In the name of God. I don't think that there's a single Muslim who is happy at the killing of our master and beloved Al Hussein. If Moroccans celebrate on that day, it's of course for the rescue of Moses from Pharaon.
ستار البغدادي Posted 2008-01-09
This belongs to the Ammaouite heritage of Muslims unfortunately. May God guide you and broaden your minds Moroccan people for these trifles, I want to ask you Moroccans when did God rescue Noah?
بنت المغرب Posted 2008-01-09
Salam alaikoum. May God bring the good with this new Hegira year to all Muslims in general and Moroccans in particular...The first thing, the day of Achoura for Moroccans is a day of praying and worshipping God, secondly it's a happy occasion for children which brings them happiness and joy. We Moroccan people are proud of our customs and traditions.
ابو ياسر Posted 2008-01-09
Salam alaikoum. There are many wrong traditions and customs inherited from parents and grandparents like the celebration in these days. Man should not persist on a mistake and say we saw our parents do so. He should rather educate himself so that he meets God with a nice face. Therefore, he should start a new tradition so that God won't make him accountable for those who persist in this act after him like what is happening in Morocco now. May God forgive those who spread this. These thoughts are far from the Islamic religion in Moroccan society. Instead of comforting the Prophet (peace and prayers be upon him, his family and companions), they celebrate with the Jews the rescue of the prophet of God Moses (peace be upon him). From my position, I comfort our master, the Imam, the expected evidence, may God expedite his rescue with the martyrdom of his grandfather, the father of Abdellah El Hussein, master of young people of paradise who became a martyr on the tenth day of the month Moharram and on which he died thirsty, his head was cut, his family were made prisoners and his sons died before his eyes. So by God, do Muslims celebrate such a day. For God we are, and to God we shall return.
imane Posted 2008-01-10
Blessed Achoura.
soheil Posted 2008-01-10
Peace on Al Hussein and the companions of Al Hussein. My dear brothers. Achoura is the day of the calamity afflicted on the son of the prophet prayer on him and afflicted on Muslims in general and Al Shiaa in particular. It is not a celebration to make the word joyful like for the Moroccans. It is a black day on which the blood of Al Hussein, the daughters of Al Hussein and the son of Al Hussein was shed. Haven’t you heard the prophet peace and prayer on him when he said Al Hassan and Al Hussein are the masters of the young people of paradise.
malak Posted 2008-01-10
Blessed holidays my Morocco; I love my country.
حبيبي يا حسين Posted 2008-01-10
I’m sorry for what’s happening in Morocco… We remind them a reminder may be of any use… The prophet said Al Hussein is part of me and I’m part of Al Hussein, he’s very dear to him, he is the son of Mrs Azzahra, angels in the sky are sad for Al Hussein , so how do you celebrate and rejoice on this day?? By God, if the messenger was among us, he would have been angry at you and ordered you to cry and follow the example of Al Imam Al Hussein because Al Hussein needs our tears but the concept of revolution and the triumph of blood over the sword should be present. How need today to diffuse this culture, the culture of revolution, renaissance and upheaval against the tyrants...
أبا ريان Posted 2008-01-10
Salam alaikoum. Firstly, a greeting to you for the topic. Secondly, to those who shed doubt on Islam and Moroccans' knowledge of religion, shame on you. By God, this is a shame. Has your egoism reached that level of accusing Moroccans of ignorance, when it's the land of scholars and the pride of Islam? To those who pretend to have knowledge, you should know that the rites of Moroccans in Achoura aren’t a celebration of the martyrdom of the grandson of the messenger (peace and prayer on him), it’s a following of he tradition of our beloved messenger because God rescued Moses, peace and prayer be upon him that day. If most Moroccans ignore the event of the killing of Al Hussein, it’s because Moroccans are Sunni and not Shiaa; therefore, your radicalism shouldn’t prevail and make you forget good ethics and morals when you talk to people.
الكربلائي Posted 2008-01-10
It's the day of martyrdom of Al Hussein who sacrificed himself and his family for us. As he said, I went out just to reform the nation of my grandfather. Do you commit these acts, what can I say but may God guide you.
ابتسام Posted 2008-01-10
Thank you!
محب العترة Posted 2008-01-10
The greatest messenger, peace and prayer on him, said "El Hussein is part of me and I'm part of El Hussein, God loves those who love Al Hussein...". There's no power and no will but from God, for God we are and to God we shall return. "The oppressors will see what fate awaits them".
محمد ماح. المغرب Posted 2008-01-10
In the name of God. God honoured Al Hussein and his family. But the companions of the messenger of God, peace and prayer on him, were also martyrs, including Othmane and Omar, so why don't we celebrate sadly on their death as well. We don't make a difference between any of them.
ام زينب Posted 2008-01-11
I want to reply to you in a reasonable way. Certainly you’re Muslims, you don’t like reasoning, thanks to God. I advise you to read about Muharram and Achoura in order to know the realities which were buried by the buriers who misled people. We human beings are separated from animals by our mind. So why don't we use our mind just for one time for a general interest? May God guide everyone to the absolute right which cannot be distorted or buried by time.
ابو عمر السوري الفوعي Posted 2008-01-11
Celebrating the day of Achoura isn’t part of the traditions and customs. It’s just a ritual initiated by Beni Oumaya who sat on the tribune of the messenger of God (peace and prayer on him) in order to retaliate from Islam and the family of the prophet. A Christian man saw in what happened on the day of Achoura, killing Imam Al Hussein, imprisoning his family and making tours with the heads of martyrs in the town, he said that in the country of Westerners a place in which it’s said that the donkey of Jesus passed from there and we visit it every year…And you kill the son of the daughter of your prophet…What nation is that?!!! Oh Moroccans…humanity will ask you…how do you celebrate on the day on which the sanctity of the messenger of God was violated? How can you celebrate on the day on which the head of the flower of the messenger of God was cut? How can you celebrate on a day on which the soul of the messenger of God was saddened on Al Hussein?!!! Ahmed Ben Israel told us: I saw in the book of Ahmed Ben Mohamed Ben Hanbal, may God have mercy on him, by his writing: Assoud Ben Amer Abou Abderrahmane Kathna Rabie Ben Moundhir, said about his father: Hussein son of Ali used to say: If anyone drops a drop from his eyes for us or his eyes drop one drop for us, God will reward him with paradise. Mousnad of Ahmed Ben Hanbal. There’s no power and no will but from God. I ask God to guide you.
فاطمة - لبنان Posted 2008-01-11
May God guide you people of Morocco…You still need a lot to become humans and people…Firstly: infidel and without conscience anyone who thinks of celebrating the martyrdom of the most honourable and greatest of people...Secondly: You pretend the love of the prophet...how?? And you are scorning the daughter of the messenger of God and the son of the daughter of the messenger of God, peace on them…
علي عبد علوان Posted 2008-01-11
Fear God people of Morocco in yourselves. This is Achoura of Al Hussein that's all.
حسينة Posted 2008-01-11
The day of Achoura isn’t a day for celebration. It’s a day for fasting as it was the tradition of the prophet prayer on him and all his family...Sorrow for the martyrdom of Al Hussein doesn’t contradict the tradition of Mohamed peace and prayer on him. The acts of Al Shia in showing sorrow on that day is inherited from their predecessors Al Shia who did this not in sorrow for Al Hussein but to discipline and punish themselves for betraying their covenant with Ali then Al Hussein…Someone like Al Hussein shouldn’t be regretted because he’s in paradise, he’s the master of young people in paradise. We should be sorry for ourselves, what we wasted in our religion and the heresies and rituals we introduced.
زينب Posted 2008-01-12
The Japanese celebrate the anniversary of dropping two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki…and they’re not Muslims…What don't we Muslims comfort the prophet in his calamity, his daughter's and husband for the killing of Al Hussein and family...Knowing that dropping the bombs was just the result of a war with political motives...while Karballa battle was a sacrifice to preserve religion and Islam...I don't think that the aim of Al Hussein was that you celebrate the anniversary of the rescue of Moses…because of if you were Jewish, you would have certainly celebrated that…Do you celebrate in the same why with prayers on the birth of Jesus? On the rescue of Noh from drowning?...When Luth was rescued from the anger of God against his people? For the return of Joseph son of Jacob? Even if it coincided with the death of the messenger of God?
يا ابا عبدالله Posted 2008-01-12
Thanks to our Shia brothers for defending Abi Abdellah, Peace on him. You should know, Moroccans, that Al Hussein isn’t just for Al Shia, he’s the son of the daughter of the messenger of God. Every Muslim should know him and not celebrate the day he was killed. Peace on Al Hussein, Ali Ben Al Hussein, the sons of Al Hussein and the companions of Al Hussein. May God curse those who were happy with killing Al Hussein, best prayers and peace on him.
هادي جنوب لبنان Posted 2008-01-12
Peace on Al Hussein, Ali Ben Al Hussein, the sons of Al Hussein and the companions of Al Hussein, peace on the martyrs who died within the hands of Al Hussein ,because with their death they materialized the meaning of victory. These days were and are still the revolution of the oppressed against the oppressor, attaining victory with martyrdom. I hope that everyone will understand, namely Moroccans who celebrate the day of Achoura that Achoura is the triumph of blood over the sword. If there were no revolution of Achoura and if Imam Al Hussein wasn't a martyr, we wouldn't have heard of Islam because Al Hussein went to Karbalaa to reform what the destroyers did in the nation of his grandfather peace and prayer on him.
muhammed barja ramzi Posted 2008-01-12
Ashoura for me is something very bige .I love this beautiful day it reminded me of the best time I had with my family and friends. Morocco is a beautiful place to celebrate holidays. I will always love my country where ever I am. May Allah protect all Moroccans and all muslims.Thanks for the article..
m.ramzi Posted 2008-01-12
The Moroccan kids are happy for the day, kids are always kids. The day of ashoura suppose to be for fasting for the grown up. The prophet Muhammed all peace and blessing be upon him recommanded to fast that day thanking Allah for saving the prophet Moses and his people from Pharao. but what the shieet do in that day is bedaa(inovation) and not from the sunna. They hurt themselves and their children by cuting their skins. Still they are not happy that some Moroccan kids are enjoying this holy day. May Allah protect us from inovation and deviate groops. ameen
مصطفى Posted 2008-01-12
Weeping for the master of martyrs is a sharing of all prophets and faithful in their calamity on Al Hussein…Because there was no similar calamity, since the creation of Adam, which gathers all the pictures of a calamity : in the soul, sons, even in the baby, nothing like the calamity of Al Hussein. It’s known that this obscurity wasn’t confirmed by the tellers before the exit of Al Kaim. Passing days and nights don’t reduce the weight of this great calamity to which the sides of the Throne trembled before the sides of the Earth. Let’s not forget the prayer of Arafa with his gratitude to the Lord of humanity, who was smashed by horses and left on Ninoua without washing or shroud!!
موالي وكلي حب لأهل البيت Posted 2008-01-13
In the name of God. Peace on Al Hussein, Ali Ben Al Hussein, the sons and companions of Al Hussein. What's happening in these times. This is Al Hussein, son of Ali, the descendant of the Messenger, peace and prayer be upon Him, and his family. You are rejoicing for the rescue of Moses… Moses himself wept on Al Hussein before the death of Al Hussein!! Go back to history and you will see that the prophet Moses wept on Al Hussein on the tenth day… And my brother here is reminding me of Omar and Othmane and why we don’t weep for them. My brother, we don’t weep for those who killed the daughter of the messenger of God and the mother of the master of young people of paradise and those who betrayed the messenger of God, didn’t implement his words about the Caliphate of Ali peace on him.
منى برهون Posted 2008-01-13
By God nice, thank you.
بحرينية ولائية Posted 2008-01-13
Firstly, I want to comfort our Imam the evidence Ben Al Hassan, may God Almighty expedite his delivery and all those afflicted by the calamity of Abi Abdelklah, peace on him. I thank all those who supported the issue of Abi Abdellah. And I have something to say to Mohamed Mah, Morocco. “How do you want us to weep for those who paved the way for killing the descendant of the messenger of God, and not comfort the masters of martyrs Abi Abdellah Al Hussein. I ask all Moroccan brothers to stop these ignorant rituals and go back to the true tradition. Al Hussein isn’t just for Al Shia, he is the example for all free people of the world. To those who say that Al Shia are people who love weeping and sorrow, I tell them how do we rejoice on the way on which Al Zayd and Al Marouane rejoiced for killing Al Hussein, prayers of God on him. Curse on the killers of Al Hussein, the first and last.
لمياء Posted 2008-01-13
Congratulations for the celebrations. I wish a life always full of happiness and wellness. I greet the authors of this article and congratulate them for their alms thank you.
لمياء+سمحمد Posted 2008-01-13
Congratulations for the celebrations. I wish you a long and happy life on your new year. May God bring you health and wellness.
abou mohamad Posted 2008-01-14
Oh brothers don't blame your Moroccan brothers, they're oppressed. Just wish them guidance.
شيعي سعودي Posted 2008-01-14
The day of Achoura is a day of sadness and a calamity for the family of the messenger (peace on them) and a day of joy and happiness for their enemies. Celebrating that day instead showing sadness and sorrow is a heresey invented by Amaouis. The first person who called for fasting on that day is the killer of Iraq Hajjaj Ben Youssef Taqfi.
fadwa Posted 2008-01-14
They celebrate with joy, there are some reasonable people who understand the meaning of this day and the calamity of the death of the greatest martyr. Not all Moroccans are Sunnis, by God.
من المغرب احمد Posted 2008-01-14
Peace on Al Hussein, his sons and companions. We Moroccans celebrate the anniversary of martyrdom of our Imam. Why not and we’re the Alaouites, sons of Mly Idriss the First, who united Morocco under the flag of love and allegiance to the family of the prophet. The distortion of facts and obscuration didn't have any impact on celebrating the occasion but changed the awareness about it. I don’t have an academic research on the topic but observation of some rituals and traditions practised on the tenth day of Moharram proves this to us. The city of Meknes for example, cannot be distinguished from Karbala on that day. But there are even heresies that are rejected by the Shia of Karbala such as slapping faces and stabbing heads with knives and axe in a way you can’t bear to see. Black and green colours prevail in dresses. You can’t wear red otherwise you’ll be attacked and and your clothes will be torn by the (Hamdouchi) who slaps his face. As to rituals in other cities, we notice that they also confirm this. In the morning, it’s compulsory to visit tombs, what distinguishes the gate of cemeteries on this day is selling small jars which make us think of the martyrdom of the children in the family of the prophet thirsty and even the baby of Al Hussein. In the evening, fire is lit up in all parts of the country, people stay in front of it all night and women repeating 'Aichouri Aichouri, for you I let down my hair, Aichouri we have only the orders of God...and the anniversary of birth of the prophet is controlled by men of God’. Isn’t all this slapping and celebration of a sad occasion. So what’s all this sorrow for, is it for our prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) or Jesus (peace be upon him. Where are Christians, people of Jesus, in all this? Peace to the followers of the right path.
عبد الهادي مصطفى بصير Posted 2008-01-14
Praise be to God of humanity. My comment is to the Bahraini young man, my brother, we read what God Almighty says “No burdened soul can bear another’s burden”. Read the verse of God ‘Those are people who have passed away. Theirs is that which they earned, And yours is that which you earned. And you will not be asked about their deeds'. Morocco was known for long years for its love for the pure family of the Prophet peace be upon them. As evidence to this, Moroccans relinquished the throne for Idriss I when they knew that he was the ascendant of the Prophet. When he died, his guardian monitored the throne until the birth of Idriss II and until he became an adult. Moroccan people expressed allegiance to him for love of his grandfather. History also tells us about the injustice in Eastern Morocco for years until Moroccans thought of bringing a descendant of the prophet who would bring his blessings and this is exactly what happened…(Read ‘Istiqdaa by Al Naciri) for more information. I want to say to the Bahraini young man, you the Shi'a are wasting your tears, which are one of the feelings with which we worship God (Oh my angels do not take to hell an eye which wept for my fear), you have no reward for them except weeping, shouting, tearing clothes and slapping faces. All this was disapproved of by the grandfather of the one for which you’re crying crocodile tears. Your descendants wept for them because they betrayed them and contributed to their killing. You should know that the person who is writing you and blaming you for your arrogance and haughtiness bears more love than you do for Ali and his sons; but my love for the prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) is bigger than my love for anyone else because he said (Oh Ali, some people will love you and will enter Hell for your love ; and some people will hate you and will enter Hell for your hatred). The first category is the radicals and the second are the haters. But, thank God, we Moroccans the people of Al Sunna and the group love everyone who loves Muhammed (peace be upon him) and his family because God ordered us to love them. “Say, I ask of you no reward therefore except kindness for the kinsfolk). We love all his companions without exception or distinction; and we won't substitute their love for anything until the brother of distinction accepts a substitute. We love all the believers and wish you a believing awareness which will bring you closer to your God and reduce the gaps between doctrines.
عبد الهادي مصطفى بصير Posted 2008-01-14
Praise to God. My Bahraini brother, don't take advice with aversion. We all love the Bahraini people. But we don’t want you to laugh at yourselves. Ali, Al Hassan, Al Hussein, Fatima Zahra and all the family of the Prophet (peace be upon them) have passed way. We all of them and of their descendants. There are those who are better than you and I, they buried them, wept for them sincerely better than your tears; and they comforted each other. Make your sorrow in your miserable soul which doesn't know its fate, to Hell or paradise? As to the family of the prophet, God has already decided their fate in the words of His prophet, peace be upon him, ‘Firmly established in the favour of a Mighty King’. So review and return before you ask to be returned and there’s no return or withdrawal, but you will just swallow…
fatima eljnobeye Posted 2008-01-15
It’s a shame, one talks to people who don’t know that the messenger used to cry when he heard the voice of the Imam Al Hussein, so do you expect that you know what’s Achoura. Celebrate and rejoice, people are rejoicing in their lives and afterlife. Woe to you from God and His messenger, Our lady Fatima El Zahraa who is the daughter of the messenger of God and mother of El Hussein. Remember that.
وسام المنصوري Posted 2008-01-15
Don’t be surprised at Moroccans and other Muslims. This ignorance of the Islamic history while we read the history of their forefathers the Amaouis who danced, exulted and rejoiced at the killing of the master of young people in paradise at the era of Islam. The only thing we can do is invite them to get to know their religion and history so that they will rejoice when they will meet their Creator.
محمد ماح. المغرب Posted 2008-01-15
In the name of God. The Bahraini sister. I haven’t said that any commiseration ceremonies be made for anyone. I just said that for the love of the prophet, his family and companions, and nothing else. God forbid. And don’t you think that accusing the companions of the messenger of God is considered as a cutback to his orders and guidance, peace and prayer on him? He said ‘My companions are like stars, whomever you choose as example, you will be guided'. As to fanaticism and addressing curse to the first or last, as no one will bear the blame for the wrong of others. As Muslims, these aren’t our values and we shouldn’t behave so. And the best outlet is this was a tumult of which God cleaned our hands, so we should clean our tongue from it. I’m not defending the rituals of Moroccans except fasting which was recommended by the prophet peace and prayer on him, with this I wrap up.
سمية Posted 2008-01-15
This is the best topic I read in my life. Thank you.
احباب الحسين من العراق Posted 2008-01-16
My Sunni brothers in the Arab Maghreb. How do you celebrate the day of great sorrow. Don't you know who is Al Hussein, peace be upon him. He is the son of the fourth caliphate Ali Ben Abi Taleb, peace be upon him, the son of the daughter of honourable messenger Fatima Al Zahra, peace be upon her. why after all this do you celebrate. For God we are and to God we shall return. The honourable prophet, peace be upon him, said 'El Hussein is part of me and I’m part of him. God loves those who love Al Hussein’. The messenger of God, peace be upon him, told the truth.
صادق ابو زهراء Posted 2008-01-16
Why do the people of Morocco celebrate Achoura with festivities knowing that the descendant of messenger (peace be upon him), Imam Al Hussein, peace on him was martyr on that day which is a day of sorrow in the Islamic World?
Anonymous Posted 2008-01-16
In the name of God, peace and prayer on our prophet, his followers and companions. Let’s all fast on the ninth day and Achoura to follow the tradition of the master of humanity to redeem our sins and misdeeds. We are in need of mercy and forgiveness. So make the determination my brothers and sisters to renew your intentions. Salam. Pray with your brother in God from Morocco.
أبو حسن من العراق Posted 2008-01-16
Many brothers stated in their comments that it was Al Shia who killed Al Hussein (peace on him). But I ask them what they know about the social structure of the people of Al Koufa and Iraq in general at that time. The Iraqi society hosted the Shia faithful to Ali (peace be upon him), Khaouarej, and there are many of them, Al Shia of Abi Soufiane and their supporters such as Al Hussein addressed them on the day of Achoura when he called them Shia of Abi Soufiane. It was they who called Al Hussein with many other Shia people and figures of the state. It was at the time very strong in threatening and menacing, killing the dignitaries of Al Koufa such as Hani Ben Aroua. In that period, communication with Al Hussein, peace be upon him, was interrupted because of the change of the path of Al Hussein through pressure from the army of El Hour Ben Yazid Rayhani to change the path to Karbala where he killed Al Hussein by surprise, he didn’t let a chance for the supporters of Al Hussein to gather. Oubaid Allah Ben Zyiad was very alert as the supporters of Al Hussein from the faithful Shia came from Al Bassora , but it was too late, and also Al Shia in Al Koufa when they heard about the killing of Al Hussein they made a revolution called 'The movement of repenting people’. They declared that they will kill Bani Oumayya to death. The revolutions was led by Brahim Ben Malek Al Achtar, they were 4000 fighters. They were all killed after Al Hussein, no one of them came back. We conclude therefore that Al Shia on that day were weakened, this doesn’t mean that there weren’t hypocrites among them. They’re like all humans. Here appears the will of God Almighty, this is confirmed by the saying of Al Hussein, peace be upon him, (If the religion of Mohamed will be straightened only by my killing, so take me swords). Brothers at Magharebia, please publish this, please
عبد الحميد Posted 2008-01-16
Ali, peace on him, said 'Don't feel lonely on the path to righteousness because of the few people who follow it'. And the wise will understand.
فاطمة الزهراء Posted 2008-01-16
Salam alaikoum my Muslim brothers and my Muslim sisters. Undoubtedly, you know the greatness of the day of Achoura. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you have to fast on this day and the day before it, which is the ninth day so that to differ from the Jews. It’s also good to fast the 11th day or the three days, 9,10 and 11 from the month of Moharam for those who can and keep away from bad habits and disbelief. We ask God to accept our best deeds. Salam alaikoum.
yassin Posted 2008-01-16
The Prophet, peace be on him, said, the killing of Al Hussein has a heat in the hearts of believers which will never cool down.
ابو سلمى Posted 2008-01-16
Moroccans have no historical or religious reference for the celebration of Achoura. Most people don't know the story of the rescue of Moses, peace on him. It is certain that they love greatly our master Mohamed, peace and prayer on him, his family, God bless them, and their sadness for the death of our master Al Hussein son of Ali, God bless him.
rime Posted 2008-01-17
Blessed Achoura to all. I ask every parent to teach their sons the principals and rules of Achoura so that they don’t harm people and yourself with some unacceptable and even harmful acts like lighting fire, spraying passers-by with water and throwing eggs on them…
فاطمة Posted 2008-01-17
Salam alaikoum. The day of Achoura is very famous for Moroccans. I’m one of the dignitaries; we express our sorrow on the day of Achoura but not in a bloody way. But those who say that Moroccans celebrate on this day, it’s the habit of the Jews. As to us, we fast, we don’t wear any make-up and don’t celebrate because it’s the day on which the beloved ascendant of the messenger of God (peace be upon him), Al Imam Al Hussein was a martyr.
نعيمة Posted 2008-01-17
On the occasion of the new hijra year, I wish to all the people in the world peace and fraternity among people notwithstanding their religious differences and beliefs. I also wish to my sons Anis, Ouassim and Ghait good health, guidance and success in life. May God guide everyone.
boukahla med amine Posted 2008-01-17
Killing Al Hussein creates a fire in the hearts of Muslims which will never be extinguished. I'm very sad and unhappy and wish to comfort the Islamic nation on that day. I'm so sorry for what our brothers ignore about the meaning of this day for us. May God guide his careless creatures.
محمد الامين بوكحلة Posted 2008-01-17
I’m really sad and sorrowful for the killing of the master of the people of paradise who became a martyr on the tenth day of the month of Moharram; he was killed thirsty, his head was cut, his family was imprisoned and his sons were killed in front of his eyes. I comfort all the Islamic nation. I’m wondering at what some do by celebrating. Killing Al Hussein enters a heat in the heart of believers which will never cool down. And as our honourable messenger, peace on him, said “Hussein is part of me and I’m part pf him. God loves those who love Hussein". The messenger of God, peace on him, says the truth. May God guide the reckless.
شيعي من العراق Posted 2008-01-17
Salam alaikoum. Concerning the traditions of Moroccans, they think that they are following the tradition of the honourable prophet (peace be upon him). They despise the son of the daughter of the honourable prophet (peace be upon him). By God, if the occasion weren’t on that time, Moroccans wouldn’t have followed it, they are using this occasion because it coincides with the martyrdom of the master of martyrs Al Hussein son of Ali, the son of Ali Ben Abi Taleb, God have peace on them all. We ask God to guide the minds of the sons of Al Sunni. I say to the Sunni, Al Hussein sacrificed his life, his family, children and women in order to make Islam triumph. Al Hussein, peace on him, is the martyr of Islam in general and not just the Shi'a. But do you hear when you call, but there’s no life for what you are calling. Salam to those who followed the right path.
العراقي Posted 2008-01-17
Salam alaikoum. Many people say that sorrow is unlawful and opposition to the will of God, harm to the soul in sadness is unlawful, slapping the face for Al Hussein (peace on him) is unlawful and disbelief in God and that Al Hussein is dead and it’s over. How is he dead and it’s over, he’s the master of young people of paradise. The fifth of the people of the dress. He was promised by God paradise together with his father, his mother Al Zahra and his son Al Hassan, peace on them. The nice description of their paradise in the Surat Ad-dahr when they left their food for three days for the love of God. He’s the Imam, whatever happens, he’s the descendant of the messenger of God Mohamed peace and prayer on him. It was him who went out to reform the nation of his grandfather Mohamed (peace on him). It was him who sacrificed everything dear to him for the cause of God. So why don’t we express our sorrow for him and we have a good example in the prophet Jacob in the book of God (His eyes became white from sadness), meaning that he became blind from sadness for Youssef, Peace on them, and he knew that he wasn’t dead, it’s just separation. God is the greatest, God is the greatest. Of Abu Abdellah we’re sorry for you until the day when evidence is taken by the son of Al Hassan (peace on him) retaliation from all the tyrants of the world. You’re his bully to that day. the free people learnt freedom and patience for the right . Please publish, thank you.
امال Posted 2008-01-17
I ask God Almighty on this blessed day wellness and well-being in this life and the afterlife. I hope from God almighty to realize my wish which is very simple, to meet my darling who is away for two years. Inchallah.
سناء بوسلام Posted 2008-01-17
Blessed Achoura we ask God to give Morocco and the Arab nation wellness and blessing.
الأمازيغيه Posted 2008-01-17
Salam alaikoum. I’m a Moroccan girl of Amazigh origins. I read this topic about Achoura. it's true that I see people in my country celebrate Achoura. But thanks to God, my family and I only fast and don't celebrate it. I saw the comments of people about this topic, this is our problem. We’re all Muslims but we are different in everything. I would like to say that Amazigh people don’t celebrate, they just fast. I ask God Almighty to make us one nation and follow one line. I ask God Almighty to reform us and you to the good of Islam and Muslims. May God reform the situation. Amen. Your sister in Islam, in the protection and safety of God.
عباس Posted 2008-01-17
Salam alaikoum. (Peace on you inheritor of Mohamed beloved by God). My eye is weeping on Al Hussein...I don't think that the brothers in Morocco premeditatedly celebrate the day of Achoura in remembrance of the martyrdom of Al Hussein (peace on him). In reply to what was said by Abdelhadi Mostafa Bachir, even if he isn’t calm from his words, of course, firstly I hope that you won’t contradict yourself in what you say. Secondly, if you weep after a relative of you who dies and slap your face as reaction, who will tell you to stop your reaction? What of Al Hussein and the calamity of Al Hussein (peace be upon him)? We should all learn from the school of Al Hussein, because all the free people in the world, pagans, Christians...had learned from him such as Guevara and Mahatma Ghandi when he said "I learnt from Al Hussein how to be oppressed and triumph." I don’t think that anyone in the world makes a celebration for the death of one his relatives, but he makes sad celebrations. So peace be upon Al Hussein and may God curse those who killed Al Hussein and those who heard of this and accept it.
الشريفة الحسنية Posted 2008-01-17
To all those who commented on this topic. The Muslim is Muslim whether Shia or Sunni. Concerning the Moroccan traditions and rituals, we don't rejoice but we fast following the example of our honourable prophet our master Mohamed peace and prayer on him. Moroccans derive their rituals from successive ruling dynasties. If you read history books, you will see that the first dynasty which ruled Morocco was the State Mly Idriss the Hussaini (Mly Idriss, son of Abdellah Al kamel son of Al Hassan Al Moutana, son of Al Hasan Assabt son of Ali and Fatima Al Zahra daughter of the messenger of God peace on him) who flew from the Abbasids after the defeat of the family of the prophet in the trap battle. Moroccans declared allegiance to him and they still love the family of the prophet. Spraying water on the day of Achoura by people is a form of solidarity with Imam Al Hussein, God bless him, as a symbol as he and his followers were thirsty. Buying toys to children, refers also to the suffering of the sons of Al Hussein and children in that miserable battle in which he was killed cheatingly. I say to all factions in Islam let’s put hand in hand and gather the fragments of this nation which declares loudly ‘There is no other God but Allah, Mohamed is the messenger of God’. Set aside our spiritual differences and feelings.
مسلمة Posted 2008-01-18
Oh world how misled we are, you rejoice the rescue of Moses, (peace be upon him), and you forget your prophet (peace be upon him), so strange is this world. Peace be upon you Hussein, every eye will cry on the day of Judgment except the eye which cried for Al Hussein (peace be upon him).
لمياء Posted 2008-01-18
The day of Achoura is celebrated by all Moroccans by fasting, worship, reading the Qur'an and buying toys for children. Concerning what was posted by sister Rim, I totally agree with you. There are some families who buy fireworks for children, and this is a mistake because they harm themselves firstly and passers-by as well. We hope that Moroccan families will become aware of these deeds. Thank you my sister for your clarification.
عمر Posted 2008-01-18
This is the conviction of the people, and these are their minds. They are weeping after Al Hussein, and we don’t know what do they cry for. Do they weep because Al Hussein entered paradise, or they weep after Al Hussein because he’s among young people in paradise. Or they cry because Al Hussein is beside his God happy and blessed. Or do they cry because he met his God in the highest paradise inchallah. The truth is that they never cry for Al Hussein, they cry for their fate and the fate of their grandfathers the cheaters who betrayed God, the messenger, the companions, Ali and Al Hussein. They are weeping their punishment in this life and God increased their punishment before the other world, and more ignorance. He is Capable of all that. God Almighty said ‘Say: Shall We inform you who will be the greatest losers by their works ? Those whose effort went astray in the life of the world, and yet they reckon that they do good work.’ So thank God Muslims because He put you on the road guidance and haven’t made you like them on ignorance.
جميلة المغربية Posted 2008-01-18
In the name of God. Payer of God on our master Mohamed and his pure and honourable followers. We the people of Morocco love all the family of the prophet which this isn't doubted by any ignorant or envier... You should all repent to God, so that we wouldn’t accuse each other of apostasy. Read the sciences of religions, the tradition of the prophet, the doctrine and its sources and read history…in order to know the serious mistakes committed by man who listens secretly and institutes himself as scholar and judge…to know that Morocco wasn’t dependent on Beni Oumaya as it has received in early times the rule of Idriss I, who's member of the prophet’s family and who fled the East towards the Maghreb namely the tribe of Ourba which celebrated his arrival and appointed him as ruler and prince. He was killed by a an envoy of Beni Oumaya, leaving a baby in the womb of his mother. Moroccans awaited his birth, when he became young man, they appointed him as their prince. He’s known as Idriss II. This dynasty had ruled Morocco for centuries, it bears the name of the Idrisside Dynasty. I will stop here and promise you to come back again inchallah to finish my observations. Salam.
علي حسين Posted 2008-01-18
Happy New Year. Al Hussein the martyr is going to paradise which equals millions of times this ephemeral life even if it’s known in the traditions of true Muslims that they rejoice at the martyrdom of their sons and wear mourning clothes. The best thing to is distribute price and value and grants to poor people for his soul and other souls of the honourable family of the prophet.
houda Posted 2008-01-18
Happy Achoura to all Morocco.
asmae Posted 2008-01-18
Salam alaikoum. It’s known that the day of Achoura wasn’t the killing of our masters Al Hassan and Al Hussein, it’s the day of victories which we should commemorate and celebrate…salam. Blessed and happy Achoura.
fatima Posted 2008-01-18
Salam alaikoum. I'm Moroccan and know the importance of the day of Achoura and I know that the important reward for fasting on this day. But I’m against the celebrations of Al Shia on that day, including the different dangerous ways and methods through which they express their sadness. God hasn't recommended us to do that. Expressing one’s sorrow was and will never be through violence. Read texts about this issue, as on this day our master Al Hussein was a martyr. Our sadness is in our hearts and God knows what we hide and show. Praise to God Almighty.
جمال Posted 2008-01-18
Salam alaikoum. The day of Achoura is a great day to God for those who fast and fear God on that day. But the most dreadful calamity is these traditions and rubbishes which have no basis in reality which should be avoided and do everything that will exults God and cheers the sons of Islam. We should all be a model for this religion and an example in traditions and customs. We should be far from things that aren’t accepted by the mind so that we make things easy for those who want to learn or convert to Islam. We should also not forget that the religion of Islam is a legacy for every Muslim responsible for his teaching and transmission. I ask every young Arab Muslim to assume the responsibility of this legacy and explain to his family and brothers what he should do on the days of Achoura so that we avoid everything that would make man live in ignorance. We ask God to forgive everyone.
العراقي Posted 2008-01-18
The honourable prophet, peace upon him, didn’t celebrate and fast on the day of Achoura because the prophet didn’t take the traditions of people before him. Those who fast the tenth of Moharram are the Jews and their followers who celebrate the killing of the flower of the messenger of God.
احسان /الكونغو Posted 2008-01-18
I ask God Almighty to gather Muslims and unite their words. Mohamed (peace on him) is the messenger for all humanity. God sent him a mercy to humanity, no two Muslims will disagree about this whether Sunni or Shiaa. Al Hussein (peace on him) is the grandson of the messenger (peace on him) and his beloved one. The messenger of God (peace on him) said ‘Hussein is part of me and I’m part of Hussein, God love those who love Hussein'. So brothers and sisters let's follow the recommendation of the messenger of God if we really love the messenger in words, acts and deeds. Salam Alaikoum.
ليلى Posted 2008-01-18
This is Achoura, we have no control, no no
مغربي Posted 2008-01-18
Describing Zainab, the daughter of Ali, God bless them, of Al Shia saying ‘Oh people of Al Koufa, oh people of disloyalty, let the tombs not rest, and feelings not rest, you’re like the woman who undo her knitting after a hard work, You make of your belief a source of dispute. You’re only good at fighting, shedding blood and beating enemies; …God’s anger on you, you will be eternally in torture…Do you cry?...So by God, cry. You should rather cry, cry a lot and laugh a little…” This is the reality which the Shiia try to hide under the pretext of weeping after Al Hussein, whom they themselves killed.
محمد علي Posted 2008-01-18
I repent to God…The day of Achoura is the day of martyrdom of the master of martyrs and the master of young people in paradise, Imam Al Hussein, peace on him...Didn't Mohamed, peace be upon him, said: Hussein is part of me and I'm part of him...so how do you rejoice on this great and sad day...May God curse you...may God curse you.
فارس جزائري Posted 2008-01-18
Firstly I would like to the brothers who are relentlessly criticizing their Moroccan brothers that they have distorted the text because they have some hidden ides; celebrations and noise they take as evidence, are special for children; are children blamed if they rejoice and play. Moreover, those who say that celebrating Achoura is a celebration of the killing of Al Hussein the grandson of the messenger of God, Achoura for the messenger of God, peace and prayer on him, was for the rescue of Moses from Pharaoh. Were the prophet fasting Achoura for the killing of Al Hussein his beloved one. The Shia brothers also celebrate this day. But we’re astonished at their way of commemoration and the best evidence is the pictures we receive from Karbala which are in the origin distorted historically; they grandfathers used to do these acts of slapping breasts, cutting the head and other deeds of blood flowing and sadness which isn’t a sadness for Al Hussein but in regret for their betrayal for Ali, God bless them, and leave them alone, their deception of Al Hussein as well. All this increased their regret, generations have inherited this with continuous distortion in expressing sorrow (review your history which was written by your ancestors). For us in the Arab Maghreb. The day of Achoura is a day for fasting, worship and meeting of families; a day to give alimony to poor people, visiting family and remembering the meaning of Islam. As to playing and amusement of children I think that the prophet (peace on him) hasn’t moved in his prayer (the prayer of the prophet to his Lord, and you know it is) in order to disturb his grandson who was playing. If celebrating every day was to remind us of our religion, we would have celebrated. Oh Lord we ask you wellness to all the nation of Mohamed, oh Lord if there’s no good in the rest of the nation of Mohamed, may you bring life to an end. Salam alaikoum.
الشيخ خضر روحاني Posted 2008-01-18
What happens is effectively Eid; but it’s not for them. Their celebrations are a derision of the family of the prophet peace on him and his followers. But it's Eid for us. There are some who will be burnt by the fire of God Almighty and we're witnesses to them. They are people who left their religion behind their backs. By God, the blame isn't their, the blame is on their foundation, the bad tree which is still fighting the supporters of Al Hussein to this day. But I swear, God will make His light complete with the emergence of the saver of humanity from such people. God prepare paradise with its people, us the supporters of Mohamed, Ali, Fatima, Al Hassan and Al Hussein. God Almighty promised hell and He will certainly keep His promise to such people who made of the day of sorrow of Mohamed a celebration, let their hands be cut, may God curse them for every prayer on Mohamed and his followers.
الشيخ خضر روحاني Posted 2008-01-18
I ask God Almighty that these words be read by everyone. If you want definitely to see Al Hussein in your dream, read ‘Surat Al Fatiha’ and offer it to lady Fatima Al Zahra, peace on her, 99 times, with surat of Tawhid 3 times, prayer on Mohamed and the family of Mohamed 100 times, then say oh oppressed woman 1000 times when you prostrate to God Almighty. By God, you will see Al Hussein, talk to him and know the right from the wrong on the condition that you offer it to 12 believers.
اللهم نسألك الهداية Posted 2008-01-19
I read a little, and couldn’t continue. The heart is sad, tears drop and people rejoice on a day on which hearts are bleeding of sorrow. I will sadly say, peace on Al Hussein, Ali son of Al Hussein, the sons of Al Hussein and the friends of Al Hussein…When the head of Imam Al Hussein, his family, Haouachem and friends and entered Damascus, their people beat drums, praising God and happy, they called them dissidents from the obedience of the prince Yazid. My question to the people of Morocco, read history. Who is Imam Al Hussein, his origins, acts and blessings. Who is Yazid, his origins and acts and choose between paradise or hell. Who is the killer and who is the killed? We ask God guidance to all Muslims. We ask God guidance to all Muslims. We ask God guidance to all Muslims…There is no power and no will but from God…Oh people think and go back to history and see who is Abou Abdellah Al Hussein.
Ali Posted 2008-01-19
It is the day on which Abi Abdellah Al Hussein was killed. Is this the way you behave on a miserable day on which was killed the son of the daughter of the messenger of God, peace and prayer on him, do you think that the messenger of God is happy with that.
مغربية و أعتز . Posted 2008-01-19
Salam to those who followed the right path. Firstly I would like to wish all the Islamic nation a blessed and happy Eid. About this topic, I want to say that all Moroccans celebrate this occasion and fast following the tradition of the honourable prophet Mohamed (peace and prayer on him) who fasted on that day. Praise to God who rescued the prophet Moses, peace on him. We’re also sad on this day. It's an occasion for praising and worshipping God as it’s a religious occasion on which alimony is given to the poor and needy. Apart from all religious and historical references in Achoura, it’s not you who are going to teach us our pure religion. If you have read the topic in a good way, you wouldn’t have a fallen in such a dispute. Finally, I will just repeat what’s said in the whole world ‘Arabs agreed never to agree’. I leave you in the protection of God.
asmaa Posted 2008-01-19
May God protect you my country.
فاطمة Posted 2008-01-19
Salam alaikoum. Blessed eid, happy new year.
احمد Posted 2008-01-19
Allam, every Muslim who worships his Lord, faithful to his messenger Mohamed, my brothers, the day of Achoura shouldn't be a day of difference between us. It should be a day uniting us. The difference between Ahl Sunna and Shia brothers is the way they celebrate the anniversary of Achoura. Ahl Assuna celebrate it with fasting, paying alomny to the poor, and celebrating the night. They don't scorn Al Hussein, they rejoice his martyrdom, the militant people of the south are used to welcoming their martyrs with Yo-yos, flags and fowers. Therefore, we shouldn't be sad for the death of the martyr who has gone to meet his creator unlike Al Shia who are sorrowful and cry. The difference between the two parties in mourning the martyr Al Hussein should increase our position for him.
noure Posted 2008-01-20
Happy Holidays everyone! I hope that they will be full of love, peace and understanding between Muslims. Glory to God!
سعيده المغرب Posted 2008-01-21
Salam alaikoum. To the brother who says we're Malikis and not Shia therefore we don't express our sorrow to the killing of the son of the daughter of the messenger of od, peace and prayer on them all and that this sorrow is limited to the Shia. When was the son of the daughter of the messenger of God special for a given doctrine? The messenger of God, peace be upon him, said Hussein is part of me and I'm part of Hussein. He said Al Hassan and Al Hussein are Imams whether they stand up or sit (by sitting he meant conciliation of Al Hassan (peace be upon him) and standing the revolution of Al Hussein (peace be upon him). The messenger of God, peace upon him, also said 'Al Hassan and Al Hussein are the masters of the people of paradise'. I hope that we foresake such Oumayade rituals, it was them who celebrated at the killing of the son of the prophet. Our scholars should clear the matter because what we do is ignorant and a calamity to the messenger and his family.
tileila Posted 2008-01-22
Nonsense. Achoura is no more than a group of boys who go out in the street with Taarija and eggs. It's a normal day where no one should neither be happy or sad, as we say in Arabic heresey.
علي Posted 2008-01-26
God knows the affairs of his creatures. May God guide them to the path of Al Hussein and not the path of Yazid may God curse him and curse his followers 000000
علي Posted 2008-01-26
God knows the affairs of his creatures.
Mohand Posted 2008-01-27
There’s no power and no will but from God Almighty. You should know that your opponent is the messenger of God. Who is closer to the messenger of God, his descendant and flower Al Hussein or the rescue of Moses. Hussein is part of me and I’m part of Hussein. God love those who love Hussein. May God guide you.
ابو العز Posted 2008-02-14
If all parties make concessions, religious culture will be widened for all.
hussien Posted 2008-02-20
this is extemly sad. do they not know it was the time when imam hussain bint fatima bint prophet mohamed was masacred? do they not know it was the time when the prophet's family were taken prisoners. what are you going to tell the prophet when you die. it sad to see the media doing everything to prevent people from knowing the truth. imam hussayn was killed for islam. i know a couple of morracan friends that tell me they arent told about ashura al-husain. imam al-hussain gave his life, his family, even his 6 month old enfant so that you could still be muslims.
نبيل الجزائري Posted 2008-02-26
Salam alaikoum my brothers of Algeria’s shia. Peace on Al Hussein, Azzahra, Ali son of Al Hussein and the companions of Al Hussein. The meaning of martyrdom is only known by Al Hussein peace on him because it was God who wanted him so that the pure Islamic religion is straightened and that the Umma of Mohamed peace be upon him survives. Oh Muslims of the world, be united, be one family and get rid of this hideous sectarianism. Oh Lord gather us with the honourable family of the prophet peace on them. Union and union against the enemies of the Umma. May Al Hussein peace upon him live free and audacious.
LOCA Posted 2008-03-18
Salam. I liked this article so much! I hope that you add Spanish to the site because I have an article about it. Thank you.
mohamadou daouda Posted 2008-03-23
Good evening dear Muslim brothers, My name is Mohamadou Daouda. I would just like to get in contact with you, brother Muslims, in order to acquire more knowledge about Islam or, more precisely, the sunna of our prophet, Mohammed. I also want the translations of a few Hadith into French. -Until next time, praise be to God
maghribiya wa aftakhir Posted 2008-04-15
I am proud of everything done by Moroccans and our culture is rich. I don’t allow anyone to accuse Moroccans of not showing concern to the best prophet, peace and prayer of God upon him. We are Muslims before being Moroccan. We are proud of being Moroccan and if you aren’t happy, commit suicide.
ام مهرة..(مغربية ) Posted 2008-05-04
Salam alikoum…Praised be to God, you are astonished at the joy of Moroccan kids and the Moroccan people in general because they celebrate and fast on the day of Achoura… And you aren’t surprised by the heresies practiced by our Shiaa brothers…? The messenger of God, peace and prayer upon him, banned us from slapping the faces, mourning and weeping over the dead… He didn’t say don’t weep on your dead, weep on my daughters and sons!!! Impossible… So odd my brothers… It is forbidden to cut yourselves, slap your faces and breasts… Since I was a child, my mother has put henna on my hands and I go with her to distribute alimonies to the poor and fast. She never told me a single day that we are happy at the martyrdom of Al Hussein… We celebrate as a tradition… Finally, I tell you my brothers Shiaa, we are far better than you, we don’t practise all the heresies you do including slapping, cutting and celebrating the memory of this or that person… The Prophet didn’t ask us to celebrate his birthday, and you celebrate the birthday of people who are lower than him in rank… Is there someone better than the messenger of God, peace and prayer upon him? Only God knows, it was transmitted about the prophet that he used to slap his face and chest, torture himself, weep and mourn… Is there something like that in the tradition of the greatest and most honourable people? Praise be to God. Salam alikoum, Greetings of Islam and not like you do, peace in Al Hussein and his family… I ask God’s forgiveness.
الجوري Posted 2008-05-31
Salam alikoum Aba Abdessalam. Salam alikoum oppressed, and mercy and blessings of God, peace be upon the souls which reached your yard. Peace of God from me to you all life long. May God's curse be on your enemies, first and last.
souna Posted 2008-06-05
I think you have forgotten the first topic: Achora. As for Taqualid, with the exception of fasting, I do not think this has anything to do with our religion, Islam. And, here I must add that we fast for two days, not one.
We welcome your comments on Magharebia's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While Magharebia.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. Magharebia.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
Magharebia's Comments Policy