Azerbaijan marks Ashoura

Yazid I was in power then and wanted the Bay'ah (allegiance) of Hussein ibn Ali. Yazid was openly going against the teachings of Islam in public and changing the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.

On this day, Azerbaijan commemorates the murdered children of the Prophet, like in most Moslem countries, where Shiism is a traditional trend in religion.

Thousands of people visit Mosques and Ehsan is served out. On this day, Imam Hussein and his 71 supporters are commemorated in all Mosques of the country, and mysteries, reflecting the fights at Kerbela, are staged.

It should be noted that Ashoura is marked on the 10th day of Muharram. The word Ashura means simply tenth in Arabic; hence the name of the remembrance, literally translated, means "the tenth day".

The mourning lasts 40 days. The 40th day of Imam Husseiun falls on February 27.

The act of blood donation for thalassemia patients is held in most Mosques of the country by initiative of the chairman of the Caucasus Moslems Department Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade.

Thousands of Moslems participate in this action on voluntary basis. Over 100 people have donated blood in the Azhdarbey Mosque only. Similar actions are held in the Teze Pir, Gey Meschid, Gadji Sultanly, Djima Mosques and Mir Movsum Aga's temple. The chairman and the officials of the Caucasus Moslems Department also took part in this action.

According to Pashazade, each Moslem, who has donated blood, helps people, which is considered a piety. In this connection, the religious leader called on all citizens to take part in the action.

/APA/