What is the origin of the ritual of Ashura? (part 8)

Tracing the flagellations (tatbir)

• 17th century in Caucasus and Azerbaijan
• 19th century in Arab world (Iraq, Lebanon)
• 19th century in Central and Southern Iran
• Unsure when tatbir started in India

As for the practice of tatbir in India, the author added that

The practice could have been transmitted into that country either by Iranian Shi'i immigrants in the nineteenth century or perhaps even earlier by Shi'i Qizilbash cavalrymen hired by Safdar Jang, the governor of Awadh, from Nadir Shah following the withdrawal of the latter's army from India around 1740.

Author quoted historical data from Iraq and Iran (biographies and oral history)

The biographies identify Shaykh Mulla Agha 'Abid al-Darbendi (d. 1868/9) as the first to introduce violent acts of self-flagellation into Tehran around the mid-nineteenth century.. Darbendi was known for his deep love for imam Husayn.

During the first ten days of Muharram many people would assemble by the pulpit from which he used to preach. Darbendi exhorted people to experience pain, urging weeping, lamentations, and self flagellation. This would reach its peak on the tenth day when he used to exercise "demon-like" practices. Among Darbendi's works, Shi'i biographies highlight one in particular: (The Elixir of the Acts ofDevotion for the Secrets of Martyrdom). Darbendi is said to include in this work uncommon rituals, not to be found in other accepted Shi'i Imami writings on the commemoration of Ashura.

Please continue reading part 9.