Ashura in Italy: Muslims Take To the Streets and Beat Themselves Bloody (Video)

Ashura! It is that time of year again when Shia Muslims commemorate the death of the Prophet’s grandson by engaging in a solemn ritual. Bloodied Shi’ite Muslims, including young boys, participate in self-flagellation, slashing themselves with chained blades during this observance. This religious procession occurs not only in Muslim countries worldwide but also in non-Muslim countries throughout Europe and the United States.

Watch the following video from Carpi, Italy:

Allahu Akbar Carpi Italy…

ASHURA: That joyous time of year again when Shia Muslims take to the streets and beat themselves bloody

Often, they slash themselves with chained blades, and bloodied Shi'ite Muslims, including young boys, flagellate themselves to mark the death of… pic.twitter.com/vmtuMxsphU

— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) July 29, 2023

Children also partake in the gory self-flagellation ritual, which is held ahead of Ashura on the ninth day of Muharram. Shi’a Muslims express their mourning for the slaying and martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, by allowing their blood to flow as a sign of respect.

Imam Hussein was killed by the armies of Yazid near Karbala in 680 AD during the seventh-century Battle of Kerbala, where some bodies were mutilated. In the procession, participants strike themselves with blades on long chains, drawing blood on their backs and heads. This tradition remains an integral part of Ashura’s significance for Shi’a Muslims worldwide.