Iran Press: Shia Muslims across the world, including India, Azerbaijan republic, Germany, Denmark, pakistan, Russia, France and Iraq mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in Karbala, Iraq.
In the ten days leading to Tasu’a and A'shura, cities take on a different look and various ceremonies are held at mosques or special gathering places known as Hussainiya.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Iran and other countries head to the holy Iraqi city of Karbala and Imam Hussein (AS)’s holy shrine to mark Ashura.
The Muharram ceremonies symbolize the eternal and unwavering stance of truth against falsehood and humanity’s struggle against injustice, tyranny and oppression, the cause for which Imam Hussein (AS) was martyred.
Imam Hussein (AS) is the symbol of resistance against oppression. The choice made by Imam Hussein (AS) and his small group of family members and companions (AS), has been a source of inspiration for not just Muslims but for all of humanity, throughout history.
Muslims usually stage these mourning ceremonies in commemoration of Ashura (the tenth day of the lunar month of Muharram) that marks the martyrdom anniversary of the icon of sacrifice to the faithful, Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam.
Ashura is the culmination of a 10-day annual mourning period in the lunar month of Muharram for Imam Hussein, who was a grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and was martyred along with 72 of his family members and companions in 680 A.D. in a land that is known today as Iraq, after they refused to pledge allegiance to the ruler of the time, Yazid.
The Battle of Karbala between a small group of supporters and relatives of Imam Hussein (AS) and a larger military detachment from the forces of the caliph represents a war between good and evil.
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