We are going to talk about a famous Arab Muslim celebration: Ashura.
This day is for some an occasion to get together in family and to offer gifts & for other to mourn our Prophet’s grandson who died in a battle.
I/ Origins:
It has been established by our Prophet, before the introduction of the fast of Ramadan, it is a fasting period of two days, the second on 10 of Muharram (first month of the Islamic calendar), gave the name to the event: indeed Ashura comes from Ashara in Arabic which means ten. It was modelled on the Jewish fast of Yom Kippur, established on the tenth day of the seventh month and Prophet Muhammad extended the fast from Muharram the 9th to Muharram the 10th.
II/Nowadays:
In Morocco, Ashura is not a religious day anymore. Today Moroccan people gather with friends and have good time with mouth-watering food, music -especially percussions, and jokes. We teenagers throw water balloons and eggs on each other. We used to light firecrackers but it isn’t allowed anymore. Children are offered lots of toys and candies.
Some people still do the 2 days fast for religious reasons because it’s supposed to erase many sins but most of us don’t.
We can say that in Morocco, Ashura is a day of happiness and fun that is celebrated by all, young & old, whether trough music, laughter or noise!
Ghali Mehadji, Reda Benkirane & Omar Amri
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