Millions of Imam Hussein’s (a.s.)lovers flocked to streets across world on Wednesday to mark Ashura, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of the third Shia Imam.
The faithful have converged on the streets in parades and ceremonies held in memory of Imam Hussein who was martyred along with his 72 companions in the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar Muharram.
In Iraq, huge crowds of black-clad mourners thronged the holy city of Karbala, amid high security measures to defend the pilgrims against Takfiri threats.
Some 30,000 security personnel were out on the streets to guard the pilgrims, with Karbala deputy governor Ali al-Mayali saying three million were expected to take part this year.
In Iran, Imam Hussein’s lovers pour into streets, mosques and other religious centers across the Iranian cities to mark the great occasion.
Meanwhile in Afghanistan, grieving worshippers went to streets across their country, a day after at least 18 people were martyred in a gunfire attack on Ashura ceremony in the capital, Kabul.
In Lebanon, great processions took place across Lebanese cities and towns. Mourners chanted for oppressed people across the world especially those in Yemen.
Mourning processions are also underway in Bahrain, Pakistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan and Turkey. Similar ceremonies are scheduled to be held in Europe, America and Africa later in the day.
Imam Hussein refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I. The prophet’s grandson and his companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala, in southern Iraq, in 680 AD, while fighting courageously against the 100,000-strong army of the despot.
Source: Agencies
