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Carole Mikita Reporting Today marks the holiest day of the year for Shia Muslims throughout the world.
Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed; his name was Hussein ibn Ali. His death occurred in Karbala, Iraq. Today, they continue to grieve.
They worship in mourning as if the death of Iman Hussein happened recently. The beating of their chests, or self-flagellation, as they chant Hussein's name, is to remind them of what he and his small band of family and followers suffered 1325 years ago. Shias believe he was a man of peace and love a message that should remain today.
Al-Shaijh Mohammed Falah Alattar, Imam & Religious Scholar: "They should live together, peacefully, regardless about their backgrounds, their colors, their languages, their religions. They are all brothers in the creation...And he will come back again to us, with whom? With Jesus the Christ."
Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet, as well, and will return with mercy for the poor.
Ghulam H. Hasnain, Alrasool Islamic Center, Salt Lake City: "We're grieving for the last 14-hundred years, and if it is up to us we will grieve for the next 14-thousand years because it is a tragedy we are commemorating."
The followers of Imam Hussain, the Shias, have been divided from their fellow Muslims, the Sunnis, all those years.
What is important to the hundreds gathered here this evening is the representation of people from many different nations, such as India, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq. They are gathered together in unity. They believe their spiritual leader died for freedom, and that desire continues today.
Loay Alabbas, from Iraq: "You can see how much people are paying with their life, everyday. Everyday hundreds of people are dying in Iraq. They are dying for their freedom."
The commemoration of Ashura lasted for ten days, culminating with a special ceremony this afternoon, during which the Shias gathered for the final time this year, in darkness.
