Muslims commemorate Ashura worldwide

Millions of Muslims across the globe held mourning ceremonies to mark Ashura, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hossein (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the third Shia imam.

Mourners in Iran and other countries took to the streets and mosques to honor Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Muharram.

Meanwhile, millions of Muslims flocked to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where the holy shrines of Imam Hossein, his children and his brother Hazrat Abbas are located, to commemorate the event.

Imam Hossein and 72 of his loyal companions were martyred on Ashura in the battle of Karbala against the second Umayyad caliph, Yazid I, in 680 AD. Imam Hossein was killed after he refused to pledge allegiance to the tyrant ruler who was distorting Islamic teachings.

The mourning services have been in place worldwide since the beginning of Muharram during which Ashura marks the climax of the mourning processions.

The annual 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 Hossein was martyred.