Ashura

Ashura

The day of ʿĀshūrāʾ (the tenth of Muḥarram) is the heart of Islamic moral history — the moment when truth (ḥaqq), justice (ʿadl), and faith (īmān) triumphed through sacrifice. Ashura presents a comprehensive reflection on the life, mission, and martyrdom of Imam Ḥusayn (ʿa, an honorific meaning ʿalayhi al-salām — peace be upon him), revealing how his stand at Karbalāʾ continues to shape the spiritual and ethical consciousness of humanity.

About the Book

Published by the World Organization for Islamic Services, Ashura offers a clear and moving portrayal of Imam Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī’s (ʿa) struggle against tyranny and moral corruption. Drawing from Qurʾānic insight, ḥadīth (prophetic tradition), and classical historical sources, the author explains how ʿĀshūrāʾ became the ultimate expression of reform (iṣlāḥ, moral rectification) and divine justice. The work situates Imam Ḥusayn’s (ʿa) sacrifice within the prophetic mission of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa, the Prophet’s Household), showing how his brother Imam Ḥasan’s (ʿa) peace and his own martyrdom represent two aspects of one divine goal — the preservation of truth and righteousness. Through concise narrative and reflective commentary, the book illuminates ʿĀshūrāʾ as both history and living guidance for all who seek spiritual renewal.

What You Will Discover

• The historical events and spiritual meanings of ʿĀshūrāʾ.
• The moral and theological principles of Imam Ḥusayn’s (ʿa) stand.
• Qurʾānic and ḥadīth-based discussions on truth (ḥaqq), justice (ʿadl), and reform (iṣlāḥ).
• The unity of purpose between Imam Ḥasan’s (ʿa) peace and Imam Ḥusayn’s (ʿa) martyrdom.
• How the remembrance of ʿĀshūrāʾ renews the believer’s conscience and connection with God.

About the Author

The World Organization for Islamic Services is a Shīʿī research and publishing institution based in Tehran devoted to editing, translating, and disseminating authentic Islamic scholarship. Through works such as Ashura, it seeks to deepen global understanding of Imam Ḥusayn’s (ʿa) message — a message of divine love (maḥabbah), moral reform (iṣlāḥ), and steadfast justice (ʿadl).

Who Is This Book For?

This book is for students, educators, and readers seeking a concise yet spiritually profound reflection on ʿĀshūrāʾ — the day when Imam Ḥusayn’s (ʿa) sacrifice renewed the soul of Islam and awakened the conscience of humankind.