Iraqi Shiites mark Ashura in Karbala, Jan. 6, 2009. Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, who was killed in 680 A.D. (AP Photo/Alaa al-Marjani).
Shia Muslims mourn for Imam Hussein, the third Imam of the prophet Muhammad, all around the world on the day of Ashura, the tenth day of Moharram, the first month of the Islamic calender. This day is a symbol of the fight against cruelty and injustice by all means and devoting one's life to lofty human values. Shi?a Muslims call Imam Hussein 'Lord of Martyrs' and remember him in the days of Moharram in special ceremonies. Payvand News - 01/19/08
Iraqi Shiite pilgrims gather in front of Imam Hussein holy shrine Jan. 19, 2008 in the holy Shi?ite city of Karbala about 70 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq. About 2.5 million Shi?ite pilgrims marked the last day of Ashura religious festival in Karbala. Ashura is the anniversary of the killing of Imam Hussein, grandson of the prophet Muhammad. Ashura means the tenth day in Arabic. (Photo by Getty Images Europe)
Ashura, Karbala, 2003: A few Shi?a men emulate Hussein?s suffering by flagellating themselves with chains or cutting their foreheads. (Courtesy Photo)
A Shi?ite Iraqi takes part in the self-flagellation ritual, outside the shrine of Imam Hussein, during an Ashura mourning ceremony in Karbala, Iraq Jan. 5, 2009. Hundreds of thousands of Shiites will visit the holy city of Karbala throughout the Ashura week to mark the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the prophet Mohammad. (UPI Photo/Ali Jasim)
