SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) – Shia Muslims around the world are commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Prophet Muhammad's infallible grandson Imam Hussein (PBUH).
Millions of people, dressed in black, took to the streets and mosques on Saturday, the ninth day of the holy month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, to mourn the tragedy on a day known as Tasua.
The annual commemoration is held in different regions of the world during various mourning rituals. Tasua comes a day before Ashura, which marks the day when Imam Hussein, along with 72 of his companions, was martyred in the battle against the second Umayyad caliph in Karbala, Iraq, more than 14 centuries ago.
Ashura symbolizes the eternal struggle of truth against falsehood and the battle against injustice and cruelty realized by Imam Hussein as he offered supreme sacrifice to uphold the principles against tyranny.
On Tasua and Ashura, Iranian mourners hold special ceremonies in line with their local traditions in different cities and offer foods at public venues like mosques.
People also gather to watch Ta'zieh, or the Persian Passion Play which is a ritual dramatic art that recounts religious events, historical and mythical stories and folk tales through poetry, music, song and motion.– www.shfaqna.com/English
