Blood donation becomes Ashura tradition

In a gesture of humanity, Iranian people observe the Day of Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), by donating blood to their fellow human beings.

Every year some Muslim mourners across Iran mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) by donating blood that could save the lives of other people.

The act of donating blood on the occasion of Ashura serves as a votive offering.

Ashura, which falls on Thursday this year, is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, on which Imam Hussein (AS) was martyred along with 72 of his companions in the Battle of Karbala, in south of Iraq, some 14 centuries ago after fighting courageously for justice against thousands of soldiers of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.

During Muharram, Muslims hold mourning rituals and listen to elegies in memory of the suffering of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions, while benefactors distribute votive free food, known as Nazri.

The ceremonies symbolize the humanity’s struggle against tyranny and oppression.

The blood donation campaign begins on Tasu'a, the ninth day of the lunar month of Muharram, and lasts until Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day after the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).

SQ/MG