As the world observes Ashura, millions of Muslims are mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) in remembrance of his sacrifice for justice. The 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram marks this solemn occasion, which falls on Friday in Iran this year.

Dressed in black, Shia Muslims hold mourning rituals to honor Imam Hussein (AS) the third Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon Him), who fought courageously for justice against the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.

In 680 AD, Imam Hussein (AS) was martyred along with his 72 companions in the Battle of Karbala, in southern Iraq.

Iranians are holding mourning processions across the country, beautifully representing the never-ending stance of truth against falsehood. During the ten-day ceremony, known as Muharram, benefactors distribute votive food, known generically as nazri.

Supreme Leader Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei had participated in the Ashura ceremony on Thursday night at Imam Khomeini Husseiniya.

In Yemen’s Saada, huge crowds held Ashura procession in order to reiterate allegiance to Imam Hussein (A.S.) and His noble path, affirming defending Holy Quran against desecration.

Head of Ansarullah Movement, Sayyed Abdul Malik Al-Houthi addressed the mourners, highlighting the confrontation with the United States, ‘Israel’ and their allies.

Sayyed Houthi indicated that pervading homosexuality tops the West’s immorality and is aimed at enslaving people.

Sayyed Houthi stressed that desecration of Holy Quran is the peak of the West’s perversion, calling for boycotting the states which desecrate the Holy Book.

On the eve of Ashura, known as Tasu’a, mourners remember Abbas ibn Ali (PBUH), Imam Hussein’s half-brother, who was martyred while trying to bring water to women and children in Imam’s camp.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Iran and other countries head to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, the latter of which hosts Imam Hussein’s holy shrine, to mark Ashura in ultimate magnificence.

The Muharram ceremonies symbolize humanity’s struggle against injustice, tyranny, and oppression – the same cause for which Imam Hussein (AS) was martyred.

Source: Iranian media (edited by Al-Manar English Website)