Beating on the chest

This act creates an avenue for communal expression, allowing individuals to channel their collective grief and sorrow. In this sense, chest beating is not merely a physical act, but a deeply spiritual experience that unites the community in shared mourning and reflection.

Ritualistic Context and Practices

During the month of Muharram, particularly on the nights and days leading up to Ashura, chest beating is prominently featured in mourning rituals known as “majalis.” These gatherings can vary in size from intimate family meetings to large congregations, wherein poignant recitations of poetry and elegies are delivered. These elegiac texts, often reflective and emotionally charged, provoke an atmosphere conducive to the expression of grief.