Shia Muslims mark Ashura in Iran: Photos

Shia mourners commemorate Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), in several areas across Iran.

Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, on which Imam Hussein (AS) was martyred along with 72 of his companions in the Battle of Karbala, in southern Iraq, some 14 centuries ago after fighting courageously for justice against thousands of soldiers of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.

Dressed in black, Shia Muslims held outdoor mourning rituals and listened to elegies in commemoration of Ashura amid COVID-19 safety protocols.

Ashura is the climax of 10-day mourning ceremonies that are observed in Muharram. The ceremonies symbolize the humanity’s struggle against tyranny and oppression.

Here are some photos that show aspects of the mourning rituals which were held on Ashura, which fell on Thursday this year.

SQ/FM