Millions Worldwide Commemorate Ashura
In Iran, devoted people mourned the 680 A.D. martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his faithful companions in the Battle of Karbala.
The holy city of Karbala in Iraq was also the scene of mourning processions where millions of pilgrims marked the occasion amid strict security measures.
In Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Muslims also marked the anniversary of Ashura, despite the terrorist attack that targeted the ceremonies in the Saudi city of al-Ahsaa which claimed over 23 martyrs and that which targeted the Nigerian town of Potiskum which also claimed over 15 martyrs.
For centuries, Shia Muslims have commemorated Ashura, a holy day that recalls the 7th-century battle between an unjust ruler and Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Islam’s Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Ashura ceremonies symbolize eternal and unwavering stance of truth against falsehood and humanity's struggle against tyranny realized by Imam Hussein (AS).
