Just a List to Be Memorized
As a Roman Catholic of some ilk, I know from Holy Days. Nevertheless, I am beginning to feel that Islam may celebrate too many special religious days and–by observing newspaper reports over the past twenty years–all of the Holy Days seem to carry “most sacred” as a qualifier. When one considers the carnage which occurs, would it not be better to call some of them less holy or minor?
Violence Targeted at Shiites On Holy Day Kills 60 in Iraq
Cultists’ Toll in Fierce Battle Sunday Put at 263
By Ernesto Londoño and Saad Sarhan
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, January 31, 2007; Page A11
BAGHDAD, Jan. 30 — Attackers using bombs, rockets and guns killed at least 60 Shiite worshipers Tuesday as they observed their most sacred holiday, Iraqi officials said.
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The worshipers were marking Ashura, which commemorates the death of the prophet Muhammad’s grandson in a 7th-century battle at Karbala, in what is now southern Iraq. The city is the focal point of the 10-day festival, which culminated Tuesday.
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Soviet Era print technology shows messianic Shiite cult leader Samer Abu Kamar, in an Iraqi newspaper Miami bureau photo. Reports say Kamar plotted to attack Shiites in Najaf and in the spirit of ecumenism decided to view close-up the highest Holy Day in the United States. Photo Credit: Ftwp
Please find the entire article at the Washington Post.