Shia Muslims across the world took part in processions, on Sunday, prior to observing Ashura. As part of the procession, they took part in self-flagellations and walked on burning coals.
Ashura, a 10-day-long event, commemorates the death of Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Imam Hussein, who was killed in the 7thcentury battle of Kerbala.
Shia Muslims have, for the past 1,300 years, been following the ritual of hurting themselves during Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of the first month of Muharram (month of mourning) in Islamic calendar. This year, Ashura falls on Dec. 6.
The followers, including Muslim women, even re-enacted the battle of Kerbala during the mourning process, across Lebanon, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Islamic nations.
Afghan Shi'ite Muslim men practice self-flagellation during a Muharram procession in Kabul, on Dec. 3.REUTERS/Mohammad IsmailA Shi'ite Muslim walks on fire at a ceremony during the Ashura festival, at a mosque in central Yangon, on Dec. 5.REUTERS/Soe Zeya TunShi'ite Muslims march during a re-enactment of the battle of Kerbala, during a mourning process, in Saksakieh village, in southern Lebanon, on Dec. 4. The man in the middle represents Imam Hussein, accompanied by his family members, distinguishable by their white face covers.REUTERS/Ali HashishoShi'ite pilgrims beat themselves with iron chains as they take part in preparations for the Ashura ceremony in Kerbala, about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Baghdad, on Dec. 4.REUTERS/Mushtaq MuhammadMuslim Shi'ite women, chained to each other, march during a re-enactment of the battle of Kerbala during a mourning process in Saksakieh village, in southern Lebanon, on Dec. 4.REUTERS/Ali HashishoAfghan Shi'ite Muslim men practice self-flagellation, during a Muharram procession in Kabul, on Dec. 3.REUTERS/Ahmad MasoodAfghan Shi'ite Muslims practice self-flagellation with chains, during an Ashura procession in Kabul, on Dec. 2.REUTERS/Omar Sobhani
