While some Sunnis do acknowledge the significance of Muharram, the reason many Sunnis do not mourn during Muharram, particularly on Ashura, is because they observe it differently than Shia Muslims. Instead of a period of mourning for the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, many Sunnis view Ashura as a day of remembrance and gratitude to God.
Here's a breakdown:
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Different Interpretation of Ashura: The primary reason is the differing interpretation of the historical event of Ashura. Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. For them, it's a period of deep mourning and reflection on sacrifice and injustice.
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Commemoration of Moses (Musa) and the Exodus: Many Sunnis commemorate the day Moses (Musa) and his followers were saved from the Pharaoh by God parting the Red Sea. Fasting on Ashura is seen as a sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad, who observed it as a day of gratitude to God for this victory.
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Day of Thanksgiving: For many Sunnis, Ashura is instead an important festival in commemoration of the parting of the Red Sea by Moses. It is viewed as a day of thanksgiving (shukr), a joyous occasion, celebrated through pious acts and acceptable expressions of delight.
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Avoiding Practices Seen as Innovation (Bid'ah): Some Sunnis avoid practices associated with mourning that they consider to be innovations (bid'ah) not sanctioned by the Quran or the Sunnah (the Prophet's practices).
In summary, the difference lies in the historical narrative emphasized and the religious practices deemed appropriate for commemorating Ashura. While Shia Muslims focus on mourning the martyrdom of Hussein, many Sunnis focus on commemorating the deliverance of Moses and expressing gratitude to God.
