The holy Iraqi city of Karbala ushered in the holy month of Muharram with the raising of black banners over the shrines of Imam Hussein (a.s.) and his brother Al-Abbas (a.s.), marking the beginning of the annual Ashura mourning season.
At the shrine of Imam Hussein, the symbolic flag was changed from red to black on the first night of Muharram, signaling the start of days of grief commemorating the Battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of the third Imam in Shia Islam (a.s.).
كأنَّ السماءَ تخلعُ نورَها لترتدي دمعَنا.. تبديلُ الرايةِ بدايةُ رحلتنا مع المِحنة.#بين_الحرمين #كربلاء #يلحسين pic.twitter.com/i0vLaLKqR6
— قناة كربلاء الفضائية (@karbala_tv) June 16, 2026
Tens of thousands of pilgrims from across Iraq gathered for the service, renewing their pledge to the values of sacrifice, defiance, and steadfastness embodied by the Master of Martyrs, Imam Hussein (a.s.).
A similar ceremony unfolded at the nearby shrine of Abu Al-Fadl Al-Abbas, where mourners paid tribute to the loyal standard-bearer of Imam Hussein (a.s.) in Karbala, amid deep sorrow and devotion, recalling his loyalty and sacrifice on the day of Ashura.
نشر الراية السوداء على قبة حرم #الإمام_الحسين (عليه السلام) في كربلاء المقدسة إيذاناً ببدء شهر محرم الحرام وموسم الحزن والعزاء على مصاب سيد الشهداء وآل بيته وأصحابه الأوفياء.#وفاء_للحسين#قناة_الثقلين_الفضائية pic.twitter.com/pYRcjFZmCZ
— قناة الثقلين الفضائية (@TvThaqalayn) June 16, 2026
With the onset of Muharram, Karbala once again transforms into a spiritual center, drawing pilgrims from within Iraq and abroad, as they commemorate the tragedy of Karbala and reflect on its enduring lessons of patience, loyalty, and resistance.
Source: Iraqi media (translated and edited by Al-Manar)