Twelver Shias

4. Ritual Practices and Observances

Ritual practices form an integral component of Twelver Shia identity. The observance of Muharram, particularly the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala, serves as a profound commemorative event. Annual mourning rituals, known as Ashura, evoke deep emotional resonance, underscoring themes of sacrifice, resistance against tyranny, and the pursuit of justice. The recitation of elegies, known as Latmiyat, and acts of self-flagellation, while contested, express the collective grief associated with Hussain’s martyrdom, fostering a strong sense of identity and solidarity within the community.

5. The Role of Religious Scholarship