Shiite Muslims mark month of mourning ahead of Ashoura скачать в хорошем качестве

Shiite Muslims mark month of mourning ahead of Ashoura

(4 Nov 2014) Shiite Muslims in Bahrain have been marking the Muharram, a month of mourning which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein in the 7th century. People have been joining together for mass meals, mourning ceremonies, prayer and processions. The mourning culminates today with the festival of Ashoura. Rows of pots rest over burning fires. Within them, meat, chicken, vegetables are being prepared, carefully watched over by some of the best cooks in the village. They've been here for hours, so cooking could begin as soon as dawn prayers are completed. It marks Muharram, a month of mourning on the Islamic calendar, and also a month when communities pull together to share meals, prayers and a renewal of faith. Fresh spices, as well as food brought from donations, are used to make the traditional dishes that have been cooked the same way for generations. Um Sayed Mostafa oversees the cooking - a duty she says she happily fulfils in the name of Imam Hussein. "My entire being is at Hussein's service. Since I was a little girl, 8 years, I have been serving in the name of Hussein; until now, for Hussein. If we don't serve Hussein, we cannot be at ease," she says. It's the same scene in Shiite Muslim villages and neighbourhoods throughout Bahrain - with black flags and banners full of religious sayings decorating streets and buildings. By early afternoon, people are queuing up with their pots. Trays of steaming lunches are being carried off to homes and tents set up for men or women to gather separately and eat. "From our parents and grandparents time, since we've been alive, we've been doing this," says Nasser Abdullah as he finishes his meal. "This is God's benevolence. This tradition, it will never end, God willing." When lunch is finished and cleared away, children and their parents - dressed in black or green - head to the streets, and enjoy the scenes and shows that depict events from the time of Imam Hussein. At live dioramas, mothers set their babies in a bassinet or in the arms of a costumed youth, surrounded by religious banners and sweets to receive blessings and snap pictures. Despite the sombre holiday, the mood is almost festive, with old friends catching up while children play. As mournful music begins, many people young and old move into the streets, rhythmically beating their chests or slapping their backs with chains in professions of grief for their revered saint, Imam Hussein. "Hussein went out to reform religion and to reform mankind away from oppression and injustice," says Ali al-Sayed, holding his young son, during a procession. "I am here today to represent Hussein against oppression and injustice." As night falls, many Shiites head to the religious community centres, crying while listening to emotional retellings of the death of Imam Hussein and his companions during the Battle of Karbala. Well past midnight, the rhythmic drums and sorrowful songs can be heard in many parts of the Gulf island kingdom. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...