Message of Ashura in Afghan Public Opinion: Resistance Against Oppression People’s Top Choice

DIDPress: As the month of Muharram begins and the days of mourning for Imam Hussain (AS) commence, DID Press conducted an online poll to gauge public opinion on the relevance of Ashura’s message for contemporary Afghan society. The poll, conducted across the news agency’s digital platforms, asked participants: “What is the key message of Ashura for today’s Afghanistan?”

Poll Results
•  Resistance against oppression: 46%
•  Reforming society: 31%
•  Loyalty to faith: 8%
•  Defense of freedom: 8%
•  Other: 7%

Analysis of Results

1. Resistance Against Oppression: A Nation’s Defiant Cry Against Tyranny
   With over 46% of respondents selecting this option, “resistance against oppression” emerged as the most resonant message of Ashura. This reflects Afghanistan’s current reality—a nation that has endured decades of war, occupation, political corruption, and oppressive structures. Many see Imam Hussain’s (AS) uprising as a clear symbol of defiance against illegitimate rule. At a time when justice, individual freedoms, and human rights are routinely violated, Ashura’s message carries deeper meaning than ever before.
   
2. Reforming Society: The Concern of an Awakened Generation
   Earning 31% of votes, “reforming society” ranked as the second most significant lesson of Ashura. This indicates that many Afghans view Ashura not merely as a political or military movement, but as a call for social, cultural, and religious reform within Muslim society. Modern Afghanistan, plagued by ethnic divisions, identity crises, administrative corruption, and social decay, is in dire need of structural and cultural revival.
   
3. Loyalty to Faith & Defense of Freedom: Overlooked but Vital Themes
   Both “loyalty to faith” and “defense of freedom” received 8% of the vote each. While these themes garnered fewer responses compared to others, they highlight that Ashura encompasses not only moral and social dimensions but also foundational religious principles and a demand for liberty. In an era where religion is sometimes exploited for power and fundamental freedoms are suppressed, these messages still resonate with a segment of society.
   
4. Other Perspectives: Diverse and Personal Interpretations
   Seven percent of participants chose “other,” suggesting alternative takeaways such as sacrifice, selflessness, Islamic unity, justice-seeking, social responsibility, or political awareness—ideas not explicitly listed in the survey.

Conclusion
The poll results demonstrate that Afghans do not view Ashura as merely a historical event, but as a living paradigm for understanding their nation’s struggles and shaping its future. In a society still grappling with tyranny, violence, injustice, and corruption, Ashura’s message serves as a beacon for awakening, resistance, and reform.

DidPress, by reflecting these public sentiments, aims to foster dialogue and raise awareness about the social, religious, and political relevance of Ashura in modern Afghanistan.