Shias in Chicagoland mourn Imam martydom

Chicago: The Shia Muslims of North America observed Muhharam on November 22 at Ramada Inn, Glendale Heights, a northside suburb of Chicago
This month is a time of mourning for the Holy prophet’s grandson, Imam Hussein. He is a man that stood for righteousness and piety. This is a very auspicious time and is dedicated to Imam Hussein and his brother, Hazrat Abbas.
Shia Muslims around the world annually dedicate the first ten days, called ‘Ashura, of their new year(and continues through forty days, called Arbayeen) to commemorate a battle that took place nearly 1400 years ago on the tenth of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.
Shia Muslims have been congregating since the incident that took place nearly 1400 years ago. The program generally begins with recitation of poetry that is meant to evoke emotions of sadness and the despair that Imam Hussein and those that supported him felt.
They are then usually followed by a scholar lecturing on Islamic teachings that then tie it into the teachings from the tragedy itself. Most Shia Muslims beat their chests as a symbol of mourning for what happened to Imam Hussein while again melodically reciting poetry that retells the emotional story of Imam Hussein.

Asian Media USA