The day of Ashura is a poignant event for millions of Muslims across the globe, a day that symbolizes the resistance and resilience of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, against injustice 14 centuries ago.

Shia Muslims observe a period of mourning from the first day of the month of Muharram to the 10th, which marks the day of Ashura, and they continue this period of sadness until Arba’een, the 40th of the martyrs of Karbala. 

Despite holding peaceful processions and mourning programs during the 10 days, police crackdowns and terrorist attacks on Muharram commemorations have intensified globally over time.

This year, Shia Muslims from several countries faced government-imposed attacks and crackdowns, endangering lives and even killing mourners in the process. 

Terror Attack in Oman Mosque 

Six people were killed and dozens were wounded in a rare act of violence at a Shia mosque in Oman, where Muslims gathered on July 16 this year for a Muharram program.

ISIS, a longstanding arch-enemy of Shia Muslims, claimed responsibility for the attack and published a video of it on Telegram. 

The event was called “unprecedented” in Oman, a frequent regional mediator with low crime rates. It follows other deadly ISIS attacks in Russia and Iran.

Kuwait Cracks Down on Muharram Programs

Shia Muslims from Kuwait were barred from flying Hussaini posters and flags, or from setting up mawkebs (service stations) during Muharram and Safar. The new laws also banned putting up tents or chambers outdoors, or engaging in religious marches.

Kuwait’s interior ministry has compelled Hussainiyah owners to adhere to its regulatory laws to maintain “everyone’s safety,” threatening to “deal severely with anyone who does not adhere.” 

Security force deployment was also granted by the government, for “regulating traffic and maintaining security.’’

This is while over 40 percent of Kuwait’s citizens are Shia Muslims. This year, they protested the government’s attempt to curb annual Muharram traditions. 

Azerbaijan Faces Decline in Ashura Participation

Azerbaijan, where the majority of its citizens are Shia Muslims, witnessed a decline in the number of mourners during Ashura ceremonies this year. Crowds of thousands have now reduced to only a few hundred. 

Black flags raised to mark the annual Shia mourning period were replaced with the Azerbaijani flag over mosques, with tables providing treats on the streets reduced drastically, as organizers requested that journalists not take photos or videos. 

According to observers, this decline in participation is due to the government’s crackdowns on active religious groups in recent years. 

The Taliban Limits Ashura Gatherings 

In Afghanistan, Taliban forces imposed crackdowns such as blocking roads in western Kabul, claiming to ensure security while simultaneously shutting down telecommunication networks, and prohibiting the movement of residents in western Kabul.

A number of sources claimed that journalists were prevented from reporting on Ashura ceremonies, while access to telecommunication services remained restricted in several areas of Kabul.

Shia clerics, activists, and political figures have long criticized the Taliban’s actions, which do not align with Afghanistan’s religious values.

In several provinces, such as Herat, the Taliban even removed Muharram flags and barred gatherings for Ashura commemorations, while reducing the 10-day ceremonies to three days, only to be held in specific areas in Kabul.

Videos emerging from Herat showed the Taliban removing flags in the Hajji Abbas neighborhood, which led to confrontations with local residents and mourners. As a result, the mourners flocked the streets for nighttime widespread protests. 

A Taliban official in Herat recently called the  Ashura ceremonies a “heresy” during a meeting with Shia scholars.

Government Crackdowns Continue in Nigeria

Shia Muslims in Nigeria, who have been the victims of the deadliest attacks against Muharram processions in recent years, were barred from holding the annual Ashura peaceful procession which will be held on July 17. 

The Islamic Humans Rights Commision (IHRC) released a statement demanding Nigeria’s Ashura processions to be protected from the police and other forms of violence. 

“IHRC is deeply concerned regarding a notice circulated by FCT Police Command demanding that no one attends the Ashura commemorative march on 17 July in Abuja. The notice appears to threaten use of force to break up the procession.  Given the history of violence – including fatal attacks – against processions and protests organized by the Islamic Movement in the past, IHRC is asking campaigners to raise their concerns and demands with Nigeria diplomatic missions in their countries.” the statement read. 

In recent years, Nigerian police have killed dozens of peaceful Shia mourners during processions in a quest to crack down on annual Ashura commemorations.