The numbers of faithful continue to grow in the Iraqi holy city of
Karbala in the lead up to Ashura, the commemoration of the massacre
of the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, Imam Husayn in 61AH/680CE.
More than a million pilgrims are estimated to have arrived mostly
from within Iraq and neighbouring Iran.
The faithful gather in Karbala
They have congregated outside the Two Shrines which make Karbala one
of the holiest cities in Shi'a Islam; the Shrines hold the remains
of Husayn and his brother, 'Abbas.
The emotion is palpable, many Muslims weep openly and pray constantly
as they remember the great sacrifice of Husayn and his small band
of followers hopelessly outnumbered but defiant in the face of oppression.
This year, for the first time in nearly 30 years, the Shi'a can openly
grieve for their "Prince of Martyrs" on the anniversary
of his death on Tuesday.
Each day this week we'll be bringing you updates and pictures of the
commemorations in Karbala.
8 Muharram: Lead up to Ashurain Karbala
Shi'a Muslims have converged on Karbala, Iraq (100 km south of Baghdad)
to mourn the death of Husayn. The pilgrims are expressing a freedom
of religion that was banned under the regime of Saddam Hussein. Tell me more
Slideshow: Today in Karbala
See for yourself what's happening in Karbala with our slideshow from
8 Muharram, 1425AH / 29 February, 2004CE including Shi'a mourning
near the Two Shrines, street processions and praying. Show me
(Photographer: Marco di Lauro Getty Images)
Channel 4 News: Among the Shia
Reporter Jonathan Miller tells us what's happening on the ground in
Karbala and how the Shi'a are hoping to be involved in a self-governing
Iraq. Read his report. Or watch it (Dur: 6:58) Requires free Real Player.
Security in Karbala
Amidst fears for the safety of visitors to Karbala, security is tightened around the holy city after an attempted mortar attack on a Baghdad Seminary.
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Timeline: What happened on 8 Muharram 61AH/680CE
Day 8: Husayn's camp is surrounded, fearing a massacre, a desperate
Husayn sends a message to the Army General Sa'd requesting they meet,
he questions Sa'd's allegiance to Yazid by asking, "Don't you
fear God on the Day of Judgement? You know who I am", but Sa'd's
loyalty is unshaken and Husayn's fate is sealed. Follow Husayn's journey with our timeline.
