Karbala Shrines Covered in Black Ahead of Muharram

IQNA – The walls and courtyards of the holy shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS) in Karbala, Iraq, were covered in black flags and mourning symbols as the lunar Hijri of the month of Muharram approaches.

Implementing the plan to install black flags and mourning symbols in the courtyards of the two mausoleums in Karbala began a few days ago.

According to Abdul Hussein Muhammad, head of the Department for the Maintenance of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (AS), these measures are being taken in preparation for the month of Muharram and holding a grand mourning ceremonies for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), his family and loyal companions.

The plan has been implemented by direct order of the representative of the Supreme Religious Authority, he noted, Al-Kafeel reported.

“Our goal is for the holy shrine to be in the best form possible, ready to welcome the multitude of pilgrims and mourners who will visit Karbala to commemorate the (anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS))."

Every year, as the holy month of Muharram approaches, the two shrines are prepared to host the lovers of Imam Hussein (AS) through the implementation of service plans.

Muharram is the first month in the lunar Hijri calendar.

Shia Muslims, and others in different parts of the world, hold ceremonies every year in Muharram to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions.

The third Shia Imam (AS) and a small group of his followers and family members were martyred by the tyrant of his time - Yazid Bin Muawiya, in the battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram (known as Ashura) in the year 680 AD.

This year, the month of Muharram will start on Tuesday, June 16, and the day of Ashura will fall on June 25.

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