Why do Shi'a Muslims celebrate Ashura?

Answer 1

Because it is the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammed, more details are below:

Who is Imam Hussain?

Imam Hussain (A.S.), the symbol of Justice, is the second son of Imam Ali (A.S.) and the holy lady Fatima Al-Zahra (A.S.). He is the grandson of the last prophet of God to mankind, the holy prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Almighty God appointed twelve Imams (successors, leaders, caliphs) to lead the Muslim world after the death of the holy prophet Muhammed. Imam Ali (A.S.) was the first holy Imam followed by his elder son, Imam Hassan (A.S.), and then by his younger son, Imam Hussain (A.S.).

Oppression of the Umayyad Dictators:

At the time of Imam Hussain (A.S.), the Umayyad rulers were committing every type of injustice and oppression. They killed tens of thousands of innocent people who opposed their views, putting thousands of freedom lovers in jail, demolishing the houses of whatever opposition stood against them so that their families and children will be homeless and poor. Furthermore, those oppressive dictators were extremely corrupt and spread mischief and vice in society in the name of Islam which in turn distorted the true image and meaning of Islam, which is a religion of Peace. The State Treasury of the Muslims was given to the ruler's relatives while the common people were suffering, under hunger and poverty. In those alarming situations, no one was able to reform these conditions and warn Muslims about this disturbing situation except Imam Hussain (A.S.).

Refusal of the Dictatorship:

In the year 60 A.H. (680 A.D.), Mu`awiyah (Ruler of Syria) died and his son, Yazid, came into power to start a new Dictatorship. He was a frank abuser of human rights, wealth, and chastity of the society. If this situation would have continued without opposition, the last message of God to mankind, Islam, would not have remained. That is why Imam Hussain refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid and told his governor:

"O governor, I belong to the household of the Prophet. God has consigned to and charged us with Imamate. Angels pay us visits. Yazid is a wicked man, a sinner, a depraved reprobate, a wanton drunkard, a man who sheds blood unjustly, and a man who openly defies God's commandments. A man like me will never give allegiance to a person like him."

Tragedy of Karbala ('Ashura):

In order for Imam Hussain (A.S.) to save himself and his family from assassination by the governor of Yazid, he left the holy city of Medina to Makkah. Yazid sent people to assassinate him there so he left to Kufa (Iraq) with his family, children, and companions.

In Karbala (Iraq), 30 000 soldiers of Yazid encircled Imam Hussain's camp and prevented them from drinking water for 3 days in order to kill them, in anyway possible, even by thirst.

On the 10th ('Ashura) of Muharram (the 1rst month of the Islamic Calendar), Imam Hussain, 17 members of his family, and 72 companions fought bravely the huge army of Yazid and preferred to be martyred rather than to yield to the order of the dictator of the time. The killers did not pity or spare anyone; the elderly men, Imam Hussain's new born baby (who was 6 months old), youths and even some of the women were brutally murdered.

After killing Imam Hussain (A.S.), his relatives, and companions, they beheaded their sacred bodies, put their heads on spears, and carried the women and children to Damascus (the Capital) so that the cursed Yazid could see them!!!

Arba'een (40th day after 'Ashura):

On the 40th day after 'Ashura, the caravan of Imam Hussain's family returned from Damascus to Karbala in order to pay visit to the holy grave of Imam Hussain (A.S.). Hence, these two woeful days ('Ashura and Arba'een) are remembered in history till today. Every year, millions of Muslims visit the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.) in Karbala and remember his noble and great sacrifice against tyranny, oppression, and dictatorship.

Imam Hussain (A.S.) said: "I do not see in death [with honor] but happiness, while life with the unjust as worthless."

Imam Hussain (A.S.) said: "...I did not revolt for because of evil, tyranny or corruption, but to reform and resurrect my grandfather's (Prophet Muhammed (P)) nation. I want to enjoin the good and denounce the evil, and take the course of my father and grandfather."