July 27 - 28 ASHURA
Ashura is an important occasion in the Islamic calendar that carries a spiritual and historical significance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Ashura is an important occasion in the Islamic calendar that carries a spiritual and historical significance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims.
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is the most solemn and significant day on the calendar, a day of mourning for Hussain ibn Ali, who is recognized by millions for his stand for social justice. The day is marked with mourning rituals and passion plays re-enacting the martyrdom.
Sunni Muslims also revere Hussain, but their focus on Ashura is the commemoration of the miraculous events from the Quran (and the Hebrew Bible), such as Moses (Prophet Musa) parting the Red Sea and Noahlanding the ark on dry land. For Sunnis, in both Canada and across the Arab world, there's also gift-giving on Ashura, special candies, and a focus on charity.