Shiite Muslims around the world today observed Ashura, a religious commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, during the battle for Karbala in in 680 AD. Ashura, which means 10, falls on the 10th day of the sacred month of Muharram. Shiite Muslims often mark the day by wearing black, parading through the streets, and making a pilgrimage to the historical site of Hussein’s death in Karbala, Iraq. Many Shiite Muslims also take part in mourning rituals, such as self-flagellation by whip and knife, and passion plays reenacting Hussein’s death.
Karbala, Iraq
Shiite pilgrims run between the Imam Hussein and Imam Abbas shrines as part of a ritual of the Ashura ceremony in Karbala, the historical site of Hussein's death.
Mushtaq Muhammed / Reuters
Sanaa, Yemen
Shiite men take part in a procession in honor of Ashura, commemorated on the tenth day of the Islamic calendar's month of Muharram.
Mohamed Al-Sayaghi / Reuters
Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanese Hezbollah supporters gesture as they march during a religious procession to mark Ashura in Beirut's suburbs, a stronghold of the Shiite militant group.
Sharif Karim / Reuters
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkish Shiite men beat their chests as they mourn during an Ashura procession.
Murad Sezer / Reuters
