Groups spar over merit of Ashura processions

Manama: Village elders and police intervened to stop clashes between two Shiite groups sparring over the merit of “tatbeer”, the act of striking swords on the head slitting it open to stream blood, in Duraz, seven kilometers west of Manama.

Clashes started when a group of mourners staged a rally in the village streets, using swords and sharp objects to hit their heads and let blood spill over their faces and clothes.

However, a second group, opposed to the blood-drawing custom, blocked their way and asked them to engage in a more serene procession in which they could chant and beat their chests, but not strike their heads.

Talks quickly degenerated into clashes in which both groups reportedly used stones and sticks, prompting village elders and the anti-riot police to move in and separate them. Three people had to be taken to hospital for treatment while two cars were badly damaged, but the police made no arrest.

Witnesses said that young men from the two groups had heated verbal arguments over the significance of the blood-drawing custom at the start of Muharram, the first month of the lunar calendar during which Shiites mark the death of Husain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, in Karbala in the seventh century.

Commemorations climax on Ashura, meaning "ten" in Arabic, on the 10th day.

“Blood-drawing processions should not be held because they harm the image and reputation of the observance of Ashura. They can also be the source of divisions within families and society at large and may also result in threats to social peace,” a statement from those who rejected “tatbeer” in Duraz said, in response to calls by those wanted a public procession in the village using swords and chains to draw blood.

Processions are held in all Shiite villages, some towns and in central Manama. Blood donation drives are organized by both official and community charity organizations.

Shiites in several countries have been divided over the most adequate ways to mark the highly-emotional and passionate commemorations, mainly during processions.

Some prefer to wear black mourning clothes in large processions, pounds their chests with fists or open hands, performing self-flagellation with chains, or slashing their heads with swords letting blood streaming down their faces and bodies.

However, Shiites who reject violent mourning rituals have been promoting a more socially productive observance by donating blood and engaging in communal activities to help the needy.

Top religious scholars have also been divided over whether the shedding of blood should be allowed as a means to observe Ashura.