Martyrdom of Ali – Ashura in London

30th September, 2007

Ashura

Marble Arch, London

I was on the bus in horrendous traffic when I noticed there was some kind of procession up ahead in the road. I saw a group of chanting topless men who appeared to be beating their chests – the noise was audible from quite a distance. I got off at the next stop and went to have a look.

(All 35mm lens)

I was given a leaflet which explained what was going on. This was a procession to mark the ‘martyrdom of Ali, a cousin of Muhammed‘. He was apparently killed by Abdul Rehman Muljim while leading prayers, and the procession ‘is symbolic of the righteous character of Ali. It endeavours to manifest the divinely ordained duty on the followers of Islam to raise their voices against all forms of immorality and oppression. It invites to advocate piety and expresses solidarity with all the oppressed. The participants are reciting eulogies on Ali and beating their chests as a mark of sorrow‘.

Those taking part included the old..

.. as well as the very young.

Normally I’d have more to say on this subject, but I’ll leave it to you to think what you may of self-flagellation.