Tens of millions mark the day of Ashura

Rasa - Tens of millions of Shia Muslims across the world gathered in mosques and streets to mourn the day of martyrdom of Imam Hussain (PBUH), known as Ashura.

News ID: 1544

Date: 04 November 2014 - 16:29

RNA - Shia mourners from Iran and other countries have taken to the streets and mosques to honor Ashura, the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram.

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

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, in 680 AD. 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. 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 Hussein was martyred.

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