Tatbir

Of all the problems that are associated with the blood shedding rituals, one of the most serious is the unjustified extreme emphasis that is put upon the rituals by some of its proponents.

This extreme emphasis has resulted in some people obtaining a distorted image of the religion. They believe that blood shedding is an integral part of the religion and is unconditionally one the greatest acts of worship. Some Shias end up believing that the rituals are specified acts of worship that have been prescribed by Islam. The extreme emphasis has lead to the neglection of real acts of worship by some Shias. Thus for example some people will shed their blood but will refrain from performing their daily prayers. They will also show animosity to those who question the suitability of these cultural traditions to the extent that they will curse and revile them. This state of affairs has led to splits within the community for the sake of traditions that were not even performed by the Holy Imams (a).

The over emphasis on the rituals can also lead to disillusionment among the sincere believers. The sincere believers are attracted to the teachings of the Quran and Ahlulbayt (a) and when they see that their community is over emphasizing these cultural rituals, it makes them feel disillusioned with the community and its beliefs. The communities could instead put greater emphasis on things such as the importance of Tawheed (Monotheism), the daily prayers, the recitation and study of the Quran and put actual emphasis on commemorating the tragedy of Karbala without the innovated blood rituals.