Petetion to Recognise Ashura as a Federal Holiday

Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram, the first Month of the Muslim calendar, and is significant for the brutal murder of Hussain Ibne Ali (Peace Be Upon Him), the dearest grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as 72 of his family members and friends by the political tyrant of the era, YazidibneMuawiya. This day of inexplicable grief occurred in Karbala, Iraq in 680 AD.

In accordance with Islamic traditions, it is strongly recommended for Muslims to avoid and abstain from worldly matters the eve and day of Ashura so as to commemorate the sacrifice Hussain (PBUH) made for not just Muslims, but for all of humanity. It is about remembering how Hussain (PBUH) stood up for the principles of justice and freedom for mind, body, and soul previously espoused by the likes of Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (PBUH on them all).

Hussain Stuart up against the tyrants of his times and talk to Manatee a lesson, that we should never bow down against the forces of evil even if it costs us our lives.

"Graceful death is better than the disgraceful life".

Given the timeless nature of his story, it is important that all of us reflect and realize the importance of his struggle. As a result, we urge that the day of Ashura be added to the list of Muslim holidays observed as an official public holiday.

Declaring Ashura as a public holiday could strengthen the ability of the US to project itself, as its founding fathers wanted, as a beacon of justice and freedom to the entire world.

We, the below signed, call on our United States Government and Department of Education to add Ashura to the list of religious holidays observed with a day off for all students attending public schools.

To whom will the petition be forwarded: US Parliament, US President

Petition signature must be confirmed in a subsequent e-mail.