Why do Shia Muslims perform Matam or chest-beating? Did any of the children or descendants of Imam Ali (AS) ever perform it? If not, is there a valid reason, with references, that explains the origin and justification of this practice?
Why do Shia Muslims perform Matam or chest-beating? Did any of the children or descendants of Imam Ali (AS) ever perform it? If not, is there a valid reason, with references, that explains the origin and justification of this practice?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 6 months ago
Chest beating is an action to express grief and sadness. It goes back to centuries as we read in Hadeeth books that Aysha daughter of Abu Bakr used to beat her face and chest (Dala'il al-Nobowwah by Al-Bayhaqi V.7, P.213 and Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal V.43, P. 369.
Wassalam.