The Most Salient Features of Ashura Literature:Evidence from Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri

Ashura poetry enjoys a long history in Arabic literature, as it started since the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn. It has been on the increase over time. Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri (1279-1376 Sh/ 1900-1997) was one of the mist famous traditionist and revolutionary Arab poets whose poetical works take seven thick volumes. In his Ashura-themed poems he highlights Imam al-Husayn's character of combating tyranny, favoring self-esteem, and being courageous. In this way, he echoes Imam al-Husayn's sublime aims and sheds light on the Umayyads' and Yazid's oppressions.