Bahrain: A Second Karbala Rooted in Centuries of Shia Devotion

Bahrain: A Second Karbala Rooted in Centuries of Shia Devotion
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Bahrain, an island nation in the Persian Gulf, is described as a “second Karbala” due to its profound historical connection to Ashura and enduring devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). This small country holds a deep-rooted Shia identity, with its people being among the earliest followers of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) after the advent of Islam.

A significant point of pride for Bahraini Shias is the presence of ten men from the Bani Ghaith tribe who fought and were martyred alongside Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in Karbala. Notable among them are Saad ibn Harith and Abul-Hutuf ibn Harith al-Ansari, who reportedly abandoned the enemy’s army to join Imam Hussein’s companions. Other sources also mention figures like Malik ibn Nasr, Sa’ib ibn Malik, and Hanzalah ibn Amr as Bahraini martyrs affiliated with Bani Ghaith.

This historical allegiance is vividly maintained today. During the months of Muharram and Safar, Bahrain is immersed in mourning, with Husseiniyas, mosques, and homes hosting mourning ceremonies and charitable acts. Despite various limitations, religious processions continue to keep the spirit of Ashura alive through traditional chest-beating rituals, eulogies, passion plays (Ta’ziyeh), and the distribution of Nazri (votive food). Bahrain’s continuous cry of “Ya Hussein” is seen as an eternal covenant, affirming its status as a living “second Karbala.”