Millions of Shia Muslims on Friday marked the climax of the annual ritual of Ashura with expressions of suffering where they mourn the slaying of Imam Hussain (A.S), grandson of the Prophet Muhammed.

It is observed in Iraq and in other countries with sizable Shi’ite communities, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Imam Hussain was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Iraq

Millions of Shi’ites Muslims gathered at the shrines and mosques in Kerbala and other parts of Iraq on Thursday (Sept 20) to mark the climax of the annual ritual of Ashura with expressions of suffering.

Huge crowds came from all over the world to commemorate the slaying of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

Iraqi women light up candles in mourning as they commemorate Ashura in the central holy shrine city of Karbala on September 20, 2018.

Yemen

The Yemeni people from every walk of life, poured into streets in the capital, Sana’a, to commemorate the day of Ashura, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shiite Imam, and his companions.

Tens of thousands of Yemeni people gathered to participate in the rally, which opened with a speech of Leader of Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah Movement Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi in Sana’a on Thursday.

During the demonstration, the Yemenis chanted slogans against all oppressors and arrogant powers in the world.

Turkey

Being observed on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, Aşure is widely celebrated in Turkey and honored around the world with consecutive events. The Muslim holiday is celebrated with its traditional namesake dessert: a mixture of morsels of grain and dried fruits in a sweet pudding garnished with pomegranate.

Traditionally, Aşure is made at home and shared with neighbors. It is also custom to prepare it in large cauldrons to distribute to the poor. This pudding is not only a tasty dessert but also rich in ingredients and healthy for the immune system, especially on cold days. The nuts in Aşure also provide the body with iron, calcium, Vitamin E and Vitamin B, making it ideal for the winter months. There is no specific recipe to cooking Aşure as there are dozens of variations.

Pakistan

In Pakistan’s Karachi, tazias made by Hindus integral part of Ashura processions. In this bustling metropolis of Pakistan, tazias made by Hindus in the courtyards of Hindu temples are a prominent part of the Ashura procession taken out on the ninth and 10th days of Muharram to remember the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) and his people in Karbala.

In at least two ancient Hindu temples in the old city area of Karachi, the Hindu community has worked with zeal and passion to make tazias, which are a representation of the tombs of Hazrat Imam Hussain and Hazrat Imam Hasan, the grandsons of Prophet Muhammad, and are an integral part of the Ashura procession.

Bangladesh

Holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S), is observed in the country on Friday with due religious fervor and solemnity, according to UNB.

The day was a public holiday. President Abdul Hamid and prime minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion.

Shia community members brought out Tazia processions in the city marking the day. A Tajia procession started from Imambara Husaini Dalan in Old Dhaka which was escorted by law enforcers.

Adequate security measures have been taken around Imambara Husaini Dalan to ensure smooth observance of Ashura. Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and other TV channels aired special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

Jammu and Kashmir

Thousands of mourners on Thursday participated in Ashura processions  in Leh district.

Ashura procession that commenced from Chutey-Ranthak Masjid passed through Leh main market and culminated at Imam Bara.  The religious leaders while addressing a huge gathering at Masjid Chutey-ranthak and Imam Bara threw lights on the importance of the teachings of Imam Hussain (A.S). “Ashura symbolizes the struggle against cruelty, injustice and oppression of Yazeed. Imam Hussain (A.S) achieved martyrdom because of his devotion to the eternal truth,” they said.

UK

Muslims in the United Kingdom gathered in central London for mourning in the anniversary of Imam Hussain (P) martyrdom.

Thousands of Shiite Muslims from different nations took part in this year’s ceremony. The mourners marched from North Carriage Drive (Hyde Park)  toward Islamic universal association (Holland Park ).

Michigan, USA

Thousands of Shiite Muslims and non-Muslims marched Wednesday in Dearborn, Michigan, to commemorate the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).

Canada

Mourning processions on the occasion of Imam Hussein (AS) martyrdom anniversary were held in the Canadian cities of Vancouver and Toronto.

Vienna: 

Muslims in the Austrian capital Vienna have held a march to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Prophet Mohammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein. Demonstrators say their message is promoting justice and fighting extremism.