Celebrating Ashura in Indonesia: Shia Muslims Calls Unity for Humanity

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Shia Muslims gather in Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park, Jakarta, Indonesia during Ashura on June 26, 2026.

Ashura is a day of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husein bin Ali in the battle in Karbala, present-day Iraq. On 10 Muharram 61 AH, Imam Husayn fought at Karbala against Yazid bin Muawiyah from the Ummayah Caliph. The battle killed Imam Hussein and his grave in Karbala became a spiritual location for Shiite Muslims.

This 2026 Ashura was initiated by the Ahlulbait Communication Institute or Lembaga Komunikasi Ahlulbait (LKAB) with the theme "Ashura of Imam Husayn (as): Eternal Inspiration of Humanity & Resistance Against Injustice". Ahmad Hidayat, Deputy General Chair of Ahlulbait Indonesia (ABI) explained that the theme was chosen in response to a world situation full of oppression and injustice committed by fellow humans.

According to him, the heated geopolitical conditions are eliminating respect for human life, so it is important for Muslims to fight and unite against tyranny. This is similar to Imam Husayn's spirit against injustice in Karbala.

The event starts with blood donation at 9.30 AM-11.30 AM local time. The event committee collaborated with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) to provide 100 blood bags, all of which were filled. Ahmad Hidayat appreciated the participation of Muslims who were willing to make sacrifices for others.

Charity was also provided to orphans. This high level of respect for orphans arose because Imam Husayn was also an orphan.

After the Friday prayer break, the series of events continued with the culmination of Ashura. It opened with a recitation of verses from the Quran, the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, and a national speech. It then continued with a presentation of Imam Husyan's life values, which Ahmad Hidayat believes must be ingrained in the souls of Muslims to unite for the sake of humanity.

Ahmad Hidayat hopes that Muslims in Indonesia will unite to fight injustice in accordance with their spirit. Because only through unity can the problems in this country be resolved. He emphasized the importance of following Imam Husayn's example of loving fellow human beings, keeping the Quran alive, and upholding human dignity.

Photo by Gabri Perboire / JNA Press