Millions of mourners marking Ashura worldwide

Millions of mourners across the globe are commemorating Ashura, the tenth day of the lunar month of Muharram, on which the third Imam, Imam Hussein (PBUH), and his companions were martyred in an unequal battle.

Black-clad mourners are taking to the streets and mosques in different parts of the world, including Iran, to honor the day, which marks a height of mourning ceremonies in Muharram.

Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and 72 of his loyal companions, were martyred on Ashura in the battle of Karbala against the second Umayyad caliph, Yazid I, more than 14 centuries ago. Imam Hussein was killed after he refused to pledge allegiance to the tyrant ruler.

The mourning services have been in place worldwide since the beginning of Muharram.

The annual Muharram ceremonies, which have been performed for many centuries, 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 was martyred.