Ashura mourning rituals held differently over pandemic

Millions of people in Iran on Sunday held Ashura mourning processions to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hossein (AS), while meeting health protocols and social-distancing rules amid the outbreak of the coronavirus global epidemic.

Every year, Muslims across the globe, including in Iran, take to the streets in black clads mourning over Imam Hossein (AS) martyrdom and 72 of his faithful companions. But this year, Iranian health officials issued orders for Imam Hussein (AS) mourners across the country to observe anti-coronavirus and social-distancing protocols.

On the Day of Ashura, Iranians, dressed in black, took to outdoor places considered by the health authorities as safe hygienically, beating their chests and grieving while wearing masks and respecting the social-distancing rules. Meantime, a large number of people across Iran commemorated Ashura by watching and listening to mourning processions on TV and radio.

Ashura marks the climax of Muharram, marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)'s grandson, Imam Hossein (AS) in the Battle of Karbala nearly 1,400 years ago.

Imam Hossein's martyrdom is the source of an enduring moral lesson for Muslims and an inspirational example of sacrifice to people all across the globe.