Ashura in sunnite mirrors, confused borders between joy and sadness

SUMMARY: This article analyzes the Sunnite views of ‘Āshūrā’ and the assassination/martyrdom of al–Ḥusayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muḥammad. It is not an exhaustive work; it is rather selective, searching for meaningful examples to demonstrate the diversity of opinions among Sunnite Muslims in the past and modern times, in moving borders between the two communities. The three main texts analyzed are those of Abū Bakr Ibn al–‘Arabī (d. 1148), Ibn Khaldūn (d. 1406) and Mawdūdī (d. 1979). A variety of opinions vacillates from the compassion with al–Ḥusayn’s tragedy to a more cautious position. The core of the question is the moral evaluation of the first generations of Islam, from whom Muslims received the Message. The credibility of the Prophet’s Companions remains a crucial doctrine in the Sunnite mind, the scandal of Karbalā’ was not the only challenge but perhaps the most eloquent.