AUCKLAND, New Zealand: The International Shia Cultural and Human Rights Organization (ISCHRO) of New Zealand urged all countries to respect the mourning ritual of Imam Husain (as) during the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husain Ibn Ali (as).

the centuries old rituals such as Tatbir (or Qama Zani), Zanjir,
the beating of chests and other similar rituals are seen as religious rights that represents the essence of mourning for the revered Imam Husain (as).

Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (sw), was brutally murdered on the day of Ashura (in Arabic calendar) in Karbala along with his family members and companions by the army of the Umayyad dynasty.

The suggestion of some to replace such rituals with the giving of blood
has caused hurt among Muslims with many regarding such proposals as
disrespect for beliefs and rituals.

There is no tradition in any culture where giving blood is regarded as a sign of mourning and many might see it as a happy event. ISCHRO believes that to recommend the giving of blood instead of performing the rituals of mourning is not taking into consideration the sorrow that devotees around the world feel for the revered personalities that were slaughtered on the day of Ashrua in Karbala.