After the Prophet Mohammad's death, there was a disagreement in the Muslim community about who was to succeed him in leadership of the Muslim nation. This was the beginning of the historical split between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Mohammad's grandson, Hussein, was brutally murdered during a battle against the ruling Caliph in 680 A.D. on the day known as Ashura. Now Shia Muslims observe this day in mourning for Hussein and in remembrance of his martyrdom. On Ashura, some Shia Muslims beat and flog themselves in parades to express their grief and to reenact the pain that Hussein suffered.
Father, we pray specifically for Shia Muslims today. God protect them as the needlessly beat themselves to show thier grief and empathize with Hussein's pain. Even as their backs are beaten and begin to bleed bring to mind images of Jesus as He was being tortured before his crucifixion. In the midst of their agony, please show them the way to eternal life. In Jesus name, we ask. Amen.
Mohammad's grandson, Hussein, was brutally murdered during a battle against the ruling Caliph in 680 A.D. on the day known as Ashura. Now Shia Muslims observe this day in mourning for Hussein and in remembrance of his martyrdom. On Ashura, some Shia Muslims beat and flog themselves in parades to express their grief and to reenact the pain that Hussein suffered.
Father, we pray specifically for Shia Muslims today. God protect them as the needlessly beat themselves to show thier grief and empathize with Hussein's pain. Even as their backs are beaten and begin to bleed bring to mind images of Jesus as He was being tortured before his crucifixion. In the midst of their agony, please show them the way to eternal life. In Jesus name, we ask. Amen.
