Ashura Slogans from the Perspective of Hadith Studies; Types and Bases

Symbolic messages received from the remarks of Imam Hussain (AS) or the rich culture relevant to his rising are known as Ashura mottoes/slogans. These mottoes are seen in works on history, battles, and the biographies of Imams (AS). However, their bases and varieties have not been yet carefully studied through scientific methods. Since reliable mottoes in the historical accounts of Ashura are intertwined with unreliable ones, it is necessary to know their various types and their assessment towards further individual and social application. Indeed, study of the rising and development of Ashura mottoes indicates that a number of these mottoes have political, mystical or moral bases. Amongst religious works Ashura mottoes have the closest tie with Hadith and the utmost capacity to be assessed based on definite criteria established in Hadith studies. Applying the principles of Hadith disciplines, therefore, one may recognize the authenticity of such accounts. Accordingly, these mottoes may be classified as follow: 1. Mottoes in which transmission has occurred correctly in terms of words and meanings, and hence in terms of their attribution to Imam Hussain (AS). They are considered as authentic Hadiths. 2. Mottoes which there are evidences for their being paraphrased although maintaining their Hadith nature. 3. Mottoes not paraphrased but supported by authentic Hadiths. 4. Mottoes which are fabricated, and it is not correct to recognize them as originating from the Infallibles (AS), due to their broad or general address, and certain wrong readings from them.