Ashura, key to Islamic, national unity in Iran, cleric

Ayatollah Abul Qassem Alidoust, senior Iranian cleric, called the Day of Ashura as the key for Islamic and national unity in Iran which is not marked merely by Shia or Muslims across the globe, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

"The incidents on Ashura should be studied beyond the sensational aspects" said the scholar and stressed one should rationally analyze the warring sides in the Battle of Karbala.

He added," One should find if the Battle of Karbala was a war between Shia and Sunni, Muslim against Muslim or humanity against evil."

Iranian cleric referred to a previous conference on peace among religions in Lahore, Pakistan where an Indian Sikh had called Imam Hussein (AS), a leader belonging to humanity and not merely Muslims and hailed the third Shia Imam as a man who made history with his patience, determination and martyrdom.

"For us, Iranians, Ashura is a humanitarian, Islamic and national heritage" said Ayatollah Alidoust in the wake of martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS).

The Day of Ashura is martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who fought against the tyrant ruler of the time Yazid-ibn Muawiyah in the Battle of Karbala.

Imam Hussein (AS) and 72 of his companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala back in 680 AD as millions of Shias across the globe mark the great sacrifice by the third Shia Imam during the mourning month of Muharram every year.

"Ashura, key to Islamic, national unity in Iran", cleric