Hussain Day (ritual)
Hussain Day (Arabic: يومالحُسَین) is a series of religious rituals and gatherings held by Shia communities worldwide to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (a). These observances occur in various countries and typically include speeches and lectures on the life of Imam al-Husayn (a), the martyrs of Karbala, and the concept of martyrdom.[1]
The term "Yawm al-Husayn" is also mentioned in some hadiths in reference to the tragedy of Karbala.[2] In Iranian cities such as Isfahan and Borujerd, gatherings known as Yawm al-Husayn take place on the afternoon of Ashura.[3] In Bangalore, India, an annual conference by this name is organized during the mourning months of Muharram and Safar. Speakers from various religious traditions deliver talks about Imam al-Husayn (a) in Arabic, Urdu, and English.[4]
Organizers describe the event as a call to promote equality and condemn violence against Muslims and other faith communities.[5] During the ceremony, mourning flags are presented to Indian institutions and hoisted in several cities across the country.
The Shia Students Organization of Pakistan also holds an annual conference titled “Yawm al-Hussain” at universities across Pakistan during the third decade of Muharram.[6] There have been reports of opposition from local Pakistani authorities to this event.[7] However, some sources indicate that in Pakistan, the term “Yawm al-Hussain” is also used to refer to the series of celebrations marking the birth of Imam Hussain (a).[8]
Hussain Day ceremonies are also held in New York. Each year, Shia Muslims in the United States organize a procession on the Sunday closest to Ashura, during which they distribute red rose branches and pamphlets about the Karbala tragedy to attendees.[9] Reports indicate that similar observances take place in the United Kingdom.
In 2013, the Wessex Shia Community at the Al-Mahdi Centre in England held a conference titled “Hussain Day,” attended by Christians, Jews, and other Muslim denominations in the country.[10]
The Ahl al-Bayt Society of Scotland also organizes an annual series of lectures called “Hussain Day” on 12 October, focusing on the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (a), the concept of martyrdom, and the pursuit of justice.[11]
Gallery
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Hussain Day procession in New York, United States of America.
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Hussain Day procession in Salt Lake City, United States of America
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Hussain Day procession in Burujird, Iran.
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Hussain Day in Isfahan, Iran
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Hussain Day in Karachi, Pakistan
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Hussain Day in Bangalore, India
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Hussain Day in Bangalore, India
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Hussain Day at Wessex, England
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Hussain Day in Scotland
Notes
- ↑ Call for social equality at Hussain Day event
- ↑ Ṣadūq, al-Amālī, p. 128.
- ↑ Grand assembly of Hussain Day held in Borujerd; Grand public gathering of Hussain Day in Imam Husayn Square, Isfahan.
- ↑ Call for social equality at Hussain Day event
- ↑ 26th Annual Hussain Day Convention: (IMC).
- ↑ Annual Hussain Day held in Multan (Urdu); The purpose of holding “Hussain Day” in Pakistan is to explain the aims of Ashura.
- ↑ Holding of “Hussain Day” conference despite state government ban in Pakistan.
- ↑ Yawm-i-Hussain
- ↑ Mourning rituals held in New York on Hussain Day
- ↑ Husayn Day at Wessex Jamaat | 8th December 2013
- ↑ The launch event of ‘Imam Hussain Day’ in Scotland
References
- Ṣadūq, Muḥammad b. ʿAlī. Al-Amālī. Tehrān: Kitābchī, 1376 Sh.
- Grand assembly of Hussain Day held in Borujerd (Persian). Accessed: 2025/10/04.
- Grand public gathering of Hussain Day in Imam Husayn Square, Isfahan (Persian). Accessed: 2025/10/04.
- Holding of Hussain Day conference with participation of the Husayni shrine (Arabic). Accessed: 2025/10/04.
- Annual Hussain Day held at Karachi University by ISO (Urdu). Accessed: 2025/10/04.
- Holding of “Hussain Day” conference despite state government ban in Pakistan (Persian).Accessed: 2025/10/04.
- Annual Hussain Day organized by the Imamia Students Organization in Peshawar (Urdu). Accessed: 2025/10/04.
- On Hussain Day in America, we went to Congress to defend Islam (Persian). Accessed: 2025/10/04.
- Annual Hussain Day held in Multan (Urdu). Accessed: 2025/10/04.
- The purpose of holding “Hussain Day” in Pakistan is to explain the aims of Ashura (Persian). Accessed: 2025/10/04.
- 26th Annual Hussain Day Convention; International Media Center (IMC).
- Call for social equality at Hussain Day event; Deccan Herald.
- Husayn Day at Wessex Jamaat | 8th December 2013; Al Mahdi Center.
- Hussain Day International Convention; International Media Center (IMC).
- Mourning rituals held in New York on Hussain Day; Iran Press.
- The launch event of ‘Imam Hussain Day’ in Scotland; Scottish AhlulBayt Society.
- Youm-e-Hussain; The News.