Forgive the tardiness, ModBloggers, but your editor has thrown out his stupid shitty back and has been laid up on the couch in substantial pain for the past 15 hours or so, because he is the oldest man alive. Please accept, as penance, this intense series of photos from Chris of Shi’a Muslims in Nabatiyya, Lebanon, participating in traditional rites in observance of Ashura, the “holiest day of the Shiite Muslim calendar.” According to Chris (and Wikipedia!), it “marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.” Apparently, this sort of bloodletting (which the men are doing to themselves with those large machetes*) is frowned upon by some Muslim clerics, but…well, not all of them, I guess. More photos after the jump.
*Says Chris: “They actually cut their scalps with straight razors and chant with the machetes. Only the really hard-core guys cut themselves with the machetes (and chains).”
See more in “Cultural Rituals“ (Culture)
Comments
207 responses to “Electric Relaxation”
fucking brutal….. looks like the album artwork for OLD MAN’S CHILD “in defiance of existance” record.
fucking brutal….. looks like the album artwork for OLD MAN’S CHILD “in defiance of existance” record.
@ Corey
I’m not hung up on religion and I’m usually into acceptance of others and their beliefs.
If you want to know where I’m coming from consider this:-
I lost a good friend on 9.11, a colleague was blown to bits on the Tube in London, and a couple of mates on a trip to Israel were killed when a child sewn into a suicide vest exploded in a shop where they happened to be. My good friends (and many others) died because of a filthy shit religion.
@ Corey
I’m not hung up on religion and I’m usually into acceptance of others and their beliefs.
If you want to know where I’m coming from consider this:-
I lost a good friend on 9.11, a colleague was blown to bits on the Tube in London, and a couple of mates on a trip to Israel were killed when a child sewn into a suicide vest exploded in a shop where they happened to be. My good friends (and many others) died because of a filthy shit religion.
@ Corey
I’m not hung up on religion and I’m usually into acceptance of others and their beliefs.
If you want to know where I’m coming from consider this:-
I lost a good friend on 9.11, a colleague was blown to bits on the Tube in London, and a couple of mates on a trip to Israel were killed when a child sewn into a suicide vest exploded in a shop where they happened to be. My good friends (and many others) died because of a filthy shit religion.
@35
Yes you lost friends, and I am sorry for that.
But just because one or a few lunatics did something to the extreme, dosen’t mean an entire race or culture is.
This in reality is a topic that could be thrown into so many directions, that debating is silly.
But alas, Modblog.
and to #19.
To me personally, I would not classify Buddha as a god.
Defined, Buddha means to be enlightened, or to be the awakened one.
Again, topics.
Good night.
@35
Yes you lost friends, and I am sorry for that.
But just because one or a few lunatics did something to the extreme, dosen’t mean an entire race or culture is.
This in reality is a topic that could be thrown into so many directions, that debating is silly.
But alas, Modblog.
and to #19.
To me personally, I would not classify Buddha as a god.
Defined, Buddha means to be enlightened, or to be the awakened one.
Again, topics.
Good night.
@35
Yes you lost friends, and I am sorry for that.
But just because one or a few lunatics did something to the extreme, dosen’t mean an entire race or culture is.
This in reality is a topic that could be thrown into so many directions, that debating is silly.
But alas, Modblog.
and to #19.
To me personally, I would not classify Buddha as a god.
Defined, Buddha means to be enlightened, or to be the awakened one.
Again, topics.
Good night.
MUCH better than suicide bombing! Interesting and it makes me want to learn more (tho this seems like pretty much a guy-thing).
MUCH better than suicide bombing! Interesting and it makes me want to learn more (tho this seems like pretty much a guy-thing).
MUCH better than suicide bombing! Interesting and it makes me want to learn more (tho this seems like pretty much a guy-thing).
Religion isn’t to blame. People are to blame. Some people will take whatever excuse they can get to do questionable things, and some choose religion for that excuse.
That does not mean all religious people do this.
That does not mean religion makes people do this.
What this does mean is that there are people out there who do awful things and try to justify them with religion. By blaming their religion for their acts, you’re putting yourself in the exact mindset that they are in. That’s right, you just thought like a terrorist/crusader/what have you. Pat yourself on the back.
And now, let’s stop scapegoating and start putting the blame on what is truly at fault – individuals.
Signed,
Your friendly neighborhood non-believer.
Religion isn’t to blame. People are to blame. Some people will take whatever excuse they can get to do questionable things, and some choose religion for that excuse.
That does not mean all religious people do this.
That does not mean religion makes people do this.
What this does mean is that there are people out there who do awful things and try to justify them with religion. By blaming their religion for their acts, you’re putting yourself in the exact mindset that they are in. That’s right, you just thought like a terrorist/crusader/what have you. Pat yourself on the back.
And now, let’s stop scapegoating and start putting the blame on what is truly at fault – individuals.
Signed,
Your friendly neighborhood non-believer.
Religion isn’t to blame. People are to blame. Some people will take whatever excuse they can get to do questionable things, and some choose religion for that excuse.
That does not mean all religious people do this.
That does not mean religion makes people do this.
What this does mean is that there are people out there who do awful things and try to justify them with religion. By blaming their religion for their acts, you’re putting yourself in the exact mindset that they are in. That’s right, you just thought like a terrorist/crusader/what have you. Pat yourself on the back.
And now, let’s stop scapegoating and start putting the blame on what is truly at fault – individuals.
Signed,
Your friendly neighborhood non-believer.
This is tottally unacceptable, their mothers are gonna kick their arse’s when they find out they’ve ruined perfectly good clothe’s lol
🙂
excellent photo’s
This is tottally unacceptable, their mothers are gonna kick their arse’s when they find out they’ve ruined perfectly good clothe’s lol
🙂
excellent photo’s
This is tottally unacceptable, their mothers are gonna kick their arse’s when they find out they’ve ruined perfectly good clothe’s lol
🙂
excellent photo’s
All that I can think of is how much of a field day law enforcement would have if this were attempted in the US. I wonder if disposal / reuse of the bloodied garments is a part of the ritual?? Interesting stuff.
All that I can think of is how much of a field day law enforcement would have if this were attempted in the US. I wonder if disposal / reuse of the bloodied garments is a part of the ritual?? Interesting stuff.
All that I can think of is how much of a field day law enforcement would have if this were attempted in the US. I wonder if disposal / reuse of the bloodied garments is a part of the ritual?? Interesting stuff.
@will
yous say;
“I lost a good friend on 9.11, a colleague was blown to bits on the Tube in London, and a couple of mates on a trip to Israel were killed when a child sewn into a suicide vest exploded in a shop where they happened to be. ”
I say:
If i was your friend i’d be scared shitless.
Doesnt seem like there is any safe heaven from that”filthy shit religion” maybe its not the western world they hate maybe its just you Will?? coincidence or conspiracy??? The drama deepens.
@will
yous say;
“I lost a good friend on 9.11, a colleague was blown to bits on the Tube in London, and a couple of mates on a trip to Israel were killed when a child sewn into a suicide vest exploded in a shop where they happened to be. ”
I say:
If i was your friend i’d be scared shitless.
Doesnt seem like there is any safe heaven from that”filthy shit religion” maybe its not the western world they hate maybe its just you Will?? coincidence or conspiracy??? The drama deepens.
@will
yous say;
“I lost a good friend on 9.11, a colleague was blown to bits on the Tube in London, and a couple of mates on a trip to Israel were killed when a child sewn into a suicide vest exploded in a shop where they happened to be. ”
I say:
If i was your friend i’d be scared shitless.
Doesnt seem like there is any safe heaven from that”filthy shit religion” maybe its not the western world they hate maybe its just you Will?? coincidence or conspiracy??? The drama deepens.
“The horrible truth is that, numerically and statistically speaking, Christian Civilization is the bloodiest and most violent of all civilizations in all of history, and is responsible for hundreds of millions of deaths. Even so, Muslims will never associate this violence and blood bath with the teachings of Jesus (peace be on him).”
[url]http://www.islam101.com/terror/christianViolence.htm[/url]
“The horrible truth is that, numerically and statistically speaking, Christian Civilization is the bloodiest and most violent of all civilizations in all of history, and is responsible for hundreds of millions of deaths. Even so, Muslims will never associate this violence and blood bath with the teachings of Jesus (peace be on him).”
[url]http://www.islam101.com/terror/christianViolence.htm[/url]
“The horrible truth is that, numerically and statistically speaking, Christian Civilization is the bloodiest and most violent of all civilizations in all of history, and is responsible for hundreds of millions of deaths. Even so, Muslims will never associate this violence and blood bath with the teachings of Jesus (peace be on him).”
[url]http://www.islam101.com/terror/christianViolence.htm[/url]
“The horrible truth is that, numerically and statistically speaking, Christian Civilization is the bloodiest and most violent of all civilizations in all of history, and is responsible for hundreds of millions of deaths. Even so, Muslims will never associate this violence and blood bath with the teachings of Jesus (peace be on him).”
http://www.islam101.com/terror/christianViolence.htm
“The horrible truth is that, numerically and statistically speaking, Christian Civilization is the bloodiest and most violent of all civilizations in all of history, and is responsible for hundreds of millions of deaths. Even so, Muslims will never associate this violence and blood bath with the teachings of Jesus (peace be on him).”
http://www.islam101.com/terror/christianViolence.htm
“The horrible truth is that, numerically and statistically speaking, Christian Civilization is the bloodiest and most violent of all civilizations in all of history, and is responsible for hundreds of millions of deaths. Even so, Muslims will never associate this violence and blood bath with the teachings of Jesus (peace be on him).”
http://www.islam101.com/terror/christianViolence.htm
The first thing I thought when I saw this was “OH GOD BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS AAAAAAAH!”
The first thing I thought when I saw this was “OH GOD BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS AAAAAAAH!”
The first thing I thought when I saw this was “OH GOD BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS AAAAAAAH!”
…and for those whom have selected to disconnect themselves from Christianity.
American violence in history runs in parallels. We are all living on the same planet.
If one chooses to believe a history falsified by language, so be it. Its easy to live life with blinders on.
…and for those whom have selected to disconnect themselves from Christianity.
American violence in history runs in parallels. We are all living on the same planet.
If one chooses to believe a history falsified by language, so be it. Its easy to live life with blinders on.
…and for those whom have selected to disconnect themselves from Christianity.
American violence in history runs in parallels. We are all living on the same planet.
If one chooses to believe a history falsified by language, so be it. Its easy to live life with blinders on.
@38
There is no free choice in Islam. Muslims are hijacked by their “faith’, there’s no freedom of religion or non-religion if you’re born into a muslim family.
The people pictured here are all victims, but still less victims than their mothers – daughters – wives and all non-muslims.
@38
There is no free choice in Islam. Muslims are hijacked by their “faith’, there’s no freedom of religion or non-religion if you’re born into a muslim family.
The people pictured here are all victims, but still less victims than their mothers – daughters – wives and all non-muslims.
@38
There is no free choice in Islam. Muslims are hijacked by their “faith’, there’s no freedom of religion or non-religion if you’re born into a muslim family.
The people pictured here are all victims, but still less victims than their mothers – daughters – wives and all non-muslims.
I witnessed this ritual in Pakistan ten years ago. Regardless of your opinion of religion (and mine isn’t exactly positive), it is a intense thing to witness. The men who I saw used whips (like a cat of nine tails) on their bare backs, and some pounded their chests until they bled. A very primal experience indeed.
I witnessed this ritual in Pakistan ten years ago. Regardless of your opinion of religion (and mine isn’t exactly positive), it is a intense thing to witness. The men who I saw used whips (like a cat of nine tails) on their bare backs, and some pounded their chests until they bled. A very primal experience indeed.
I witnessed this ritual in Pakistan ten years ago. Regardless of your opinion of religion (and mine isn’t exactly positive), it is a intense thing to witness. The men who I saw used whips (like a cat of nine tails) on their bare backs, and some pounded their chests until they bled. A very primal experience indeed.
#45
I could say the same thing about most hard core xtian familes. You don’t have a choice. Either you stay with the faith, or you’re disowned and told you’re going to hell.
Most religions are far more similiar than they would like to believe.
#45
I could say the same thing about most hard core xtian familes. You don’t have a choice. Either you stay with the faith, or you’re disowned and told you’re going to hell.
Most religions are far more similiar than they would like to believe.
#45
I could say the same thing about most hard core xtian familes. You don’t have a choice. Either you stay with the faith, or you’re disowned and told you’re going to hell.
Most religions are far more similiar than they would like to believe.
@ Dagon
Yea that’s all I can think of too ugh.
@ Dagon
Yea that’s all I can think of too ugh.
@ Dagon
Yea that’s all I can think of too ugh.
@46
There is always a choice.
If you can’t get away from religious extremism because of the people around you, you GET OUT. Move elsewhere.
The moment you think you have no choice is the moment choice is stripped from you.
@46
There is always a choice.
If you can’t get away from religious extremism because of the people around you, you GET OUT. Move elsewhere.
The moment you think you have no choice is the moment choice is stripped from you.
@46
There is always a choice.
If you can’t get away from religious extremism because of the people around you, you GET OUT. Move elsewhere.
The moment you think you have no choice is the moment choice is stripped from you.