Each year, sorrow for Imam Hussain (a), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (s), is rekindled through Hussaini rituals observed globally. This universal commemoration invites curiosity and understanding from non-Islamic societies, while for devout believers, it serves as a profound reminder during Ashura to reconnect with the remembrance of Allah. As the Quran says:

{O you who have believed, shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment?} 
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The Significance of Mourning
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This brings us to a significant question: Why do the Shi'a hold annual mourning ceremonies for Hussain (a), the Master of Martyrs? According to Shi’a jurists, "The gathering of the Shi'a during the days of Ashura and the expression of grief over what happened to Hussain (a), his children, and his companions on that day, is considered a manifestation of love for the Prophet (s) and his family. It is clear that love for the Prophet and his household is one of the foundations of Islam, as evidence has overwhelmingly supported this" (Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Ja'far Subhani, Dialogue with Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullahal-Darwish, Vol. 1, p. 136). 
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Principles of Islam Reflected 
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Holding mourning ceremonies for the Master of Martyrs (a) revives another fundamental principle of Islam: the necessity of enjoining good and forbidding evil, and standing against tyrants and oppressors who have seized the wealth and resources of the people and forgotten compassion and justice among the nation. Hussain ibn Ali(a) stood against the tyrants of the Umayyad dynasty who made lawful what Allah had forbidden, violated His sanctities, and confiscated freedoms. The Imam (a)declared this in one of his speeches while on his way to Karbala, saying: 

"O people, the Messenger of Allah (s) said: Whoever sees a tyrant ruler legalizing what Allah has forbidden, breaking the covenant of Allah, opposing the tradition of the Messenger of Allah (s), working among the servants of Allah with sin and aggression, and does not confront him with action or speech, it is incumbent upon Allah to place him in the same abode as that tyrant. Verily, these people have adhered to the obedience of Satan and abandoned the obedience of the Most Merciful (swt), manifested corruption, disrupted the boundaries, monopolized the spoils, made lawful what Allah (swt) has forbidden, and forbidden what Allah has permitted. I am more worthy to change [this]" (Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Ja'far Subhani, Fiqh al-Mazar in the Hadiths of the Pure Imams (a), pp. 97-98). 

Honoring the Imams 

The desirability of honoring the Imams (a) in any form of honor is among the necessities of the Imamiyyah sect, without doubt or dispute. Numerous texts have indicated the importance of respecting the dignity of a believer, so what then is the status of the infallible Imams (a), the proofs of Allah for all His creation?! There’s neither a debate about the fundamental desirability of honoring the Imams (a)and their tombs and relics, nor is there any debate or disagreement about the obligation to honor them if neglecting this would lead to disrespecting their sacred status. Therefore, the real discussion revolves around some manifestations of mourning and grief, given the debate and disagreement about whether this is a form of honoring and reverence for them (a), or something that leads to disrespecting their status and weakening the sect, or some thing that endangers oneself or harms the body (Ayatollah Sheikh Ali Akbar Al-Saifi Al-Mazandarani, Dalil al-Huda in the Jurisprudence of Mourning, pp. 95-96). 
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Examples of Hussaini Rituals

Hussaini rituals encompass a wide range of practices, including:
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· Wearing black garments as a symbol of mourning and solidarity
· Crying to express sorrow and grief
· Gatherings (majalis) to recite and reflect on the events of Karbala
· Beating of the chest (latm) as a physical expression of mourning
· Caravans and processions to publicly display solidarity and sorrow
· Visits to holy shrines (ziyarah) to pay respects and seek spiritual connection
· Enactments of the tragedy (plays, films, etc.)to educate and evoke emotions
· Poetry, both spoken and written, to honor the sacrifices and narrate the events
· Charity to support these activities and help those in need 

Observing Hussaini rituals is a profound expression of love, respect, and adherence to the principles of Islam. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain (a) and his companions, inspiring believers to stand against tyranny and uphold justice. By engaging in these rituals, the Shi'a community not only honors the legacy of the Master of Martyrs but also reaffirms their commitment to the core values of their faith.