Iran Press/ Middle East: Millions worldwide flocked to the holy shrines in the Iraqi city of Karbala in an annual sacred festival known as Ashura.
Today, 'Bayn al-Haramayn' is the most crowded point in the world, the holy place of two revered Shiite figures; the first shrine of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and the second shrine belongs to Imam Hussein's half-brother Hazrat Abbas, and the event is Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, the day of Imam Hussein's martyrdom.
The Day of Ashura- the anniversary of the Battle of Karbala, when the 3rd Shia Imam, Hussein ibn Ali, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred by the forces of Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad the tyrant of the time, is marked across the world especially in Iraq and across Iran.
In the Battle of Karbala, Imam Hussain fought against an army from Kufa on Muharram 10, 61(October 10, 680 ), who were mercenary soldiers of Yazid ibn Mu'awiya, the second Umayyad caliph.
The Battle of Karbala is the most sorrowful incident in the history of Islam, especially for the Shiites. Hence they hold huge mourning ceremonies every year during the first (10) days of Muharram.
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a solemn day of mourning the martyrdom of Hussein at Karbala.
It is marked by holding mourning rituals and passion plays re-enacting the martyrdom.
Shia men and women dress in black also parade through the streets slapping their chests and chanting.
Muharram mourning ceremonies are one of Shia culture's most important rituals and customs. Every year, Shias in every part of the world hold for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS).
Muharram mourning is one of the essential rituals in Iran and most countries, and each country marks it differently according to its culture.
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