Millions of Muslims marking Karbala tragedy

Millions of mourners are commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), grandson of Prophet Mohammad, and his companions.

Millions of Muslims have been holding mourning ceremonies since several days ago to mark Imam Hussein’s fighting for justice.

The ceremonies are annually held during the days leading up to Ashura, the tenth day of the first month of the lunar calendar year, Muharram.

The year’s mourning ceremonies will culminate on Thursday, November 14, the day of Ashura.

Ashura marks the day when Imam Hussein, along with 72 of his companions, was martyred in a battle against the second Umayyad caliph in Karbala, Iraq, more than 14 centuries ago.

Ashura ceremonies symbolize eternal and unwavering stance of truth against falsehood and humanity’s struggle against tyranny realized by Imam Hussein (PBUH).

The story of the day narrates a tragedy that etched into the annals of time, whose depth no sonnet of lamentation can wholly capture.

People also gather to watch Ta’zieh or mythical stories which is a ritual dramatic art that recounts religious events, historical and folk tales through poetry, music, song and motion.

The traditional and folkloric play, Ta’zieh, narrates the story of martyrdom of Imam Hussain (PBUH) and his companions in Karbala with its own specific style and rituals.

Iranian mourners also hold special ceremonies on the ninth day of the holy month of Muharram, known as Tasua, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the epic of Karbala.

The annual commemoration is also held in different regions of the world and mourning rituals have been performed for many centuries.