Mashal-carrying (ritual)

The roots of this ritual can be traced back to the events of Karbala in 680 CE, a watershed moment in Islamic history that resonates deeply in Shia consciousness. The ethereal glow of the Mashals against the backdrop of somber remembrance reminds the faithful of the sacrifices made by Imam Hussein and his companions. Each flame flickers as an emblematic reminder that while physical presence may be lost, the spirit of that struggle endures across generations.

Ritualistic Practices: The Act of Carrying the Mashal

The intricacies of the Mashal-carrying ritual manifest in various forms and practices across the Shia world. Processions often commence with recitations of elegies (Marsiyas) that commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Participants, dressed in traditional mourning attire, gather to carry the Mashals, creating a procession reminiscent of the very journey taken by the women and children of Imam Hussein’s camp following the battle. The juxtaposition of light against dark is emblematic not only of faith but also of the struggle between oppression and liberation.