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Shi'a Pilgrims on the road from Baghdad to Karbala |
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The streets of Karbala are overflowing with more than a million Shi’a
Muslims mourning the loss of the Imam Husayn openly for the first
time in nearly 30 years.
They pound drums, beat their chests, lash themselves and scream
in remorse for the martyred grandson of the Prophet.
"Forgive us Husayn! Forgive us!" they shout as mock coffins
are held aloft and men whip themselves with chains.
This holy city will not sleep during the month of Muharam as wave
after wave of the Shi’a faithful flood in to mourn their "Prince
of Martyrs".
Muharam will reach a climax on the 10th day (Tuesday) known as Ashura,
when pilgrims re-enact the slaughter of Husayn and his loyal followers
by Yazid's troops in 61AH/680CE.
Find out more below about the mood in the town and the preparations.
Karbala: Eve of Ashura
The holy city of Karbala is overflowing with Muslims who have congregated
for one of the holiest days in the Shi’a calendar, the anniversary
of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn on Tuesday.
Take me there
Preparing for Ashura
Find out what Shi’a Muslims do to get ready for Ashura and how
they will spend the night of 9 Muharram.
Tell me more
Slideshow: Today in Karbala
See the pilgrims travelling to Karbala on the road from Baghdad, now restrictions have been lifted mostly Iranians
are pouring across the border and Iraqis from across the country who are desperate to visit the Shrine of Husayn.
Show me
(Photographer: Marco di Lauro Getty Images).
Timeline: What happened on 9 Muharram 61AH/680CE
Day 9: After a long, hot day Husayn's camp prepares for the attack
they know is coming and are powerless to stop. The Imam gathers his
companions together and pleads with them to flee and save themselves.
His followers refuse. Husayn sends one last message to the
army General Sa'd asking to be spared one last night so that they
may pray to Allah and recite the Qur'an. Sa'd reluctantly agrees and
Husayn gives one last sermon. Such is the power of their faith that
32 enemy troops switch sides and join Husayn’s camp.
Follow Husayn’s journey with
our timeline.
Go to 8 Muharram coverage
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