Tatbir: Difference between revisions

Tatbir is a kind of mourning for Imam al-Husayn in which one beats one’s head with a qama or a sword, whereby blood runs from the head. Tatbir is usually practiced in mourning processions while they cross a street, and during tatbir, mourners loudly shout “Haydar Haydar.” Moreover, drums and horns are played, and red banners are raised.

Proponents of tatbir believe that the proper time for the practice is the dawn of the Day of Ashura. In the past, the tradition was practiced on Ramadan 21 as well. The most common manners of tatbir include putting on a white long gown (similar to a shroud) and shaving the head.