Washington – Achoura is known for its religious and cultural dimensions, but also for its loud entertaining music, children’s happiness, and tasty treats. 

There is a very similar holiday celebrated in many countries worldwide: Halloween. 

Halloween

During Halloween, children dress up in whimsical costumes, they go around and gather treats for themselves, and the community is a big aspect.

This holiday originated from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. This time was associated with the supernatural and death, as the harvest season ended. 

Eventually, Halloween progressed into a more commercial holiday with carving pumpkins, costume parties, and telling scary stories, still celebrating the supernatural and the macabre with community festivals and events. 

Trick-or-treating is another huge event during this holiday. Children dress up in whatever character they like best (like Mickey Mouse or Superman) and go door to door, saying loudly, “trick-or-treat,” and receive candy from each house. 

Achoura

Achoura celebrates Allah’s salvation of Moses and the Israelites from the Pharaoh’s tyranny. For Shia Muslims, it’s a day of remembrance of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala. 

For this holiday, there are preparation days leading up to the 10th day of Muharram. People go to gather the dry fruits, toys, drums, costumes, and more. It’s also common to clean the house before making way for blessings.

Some traditions observed include bonfires, drumming, dancing, children receiving sweets, and community events. These are also close to how Halloween is celebrated. 

Trick-or-treating is an occurrence during this celebration, too. Children ask for “Hakk Baba Achour,” (Baba Achour’s due),” at the neighbor’s doors, and they receive sweet treats or coins.

Pranks are also played by the children with splashing water, throwing eggs, and setting off firecrackers.

Another tradition is to fast on the day of Achoura, as the Prophet Muhammad recommended doing this as a way to express gratitude and spiritual purification. 

This date is a moment for reflection, gratefulness, and forgiveness. 

Achoura and Halloween are very different in terms of origin, meaning, and context, but are similar in how they are both celebrated.