Ashura is a significant day for Muslims worldwide, but it has special significance for Shia Muslims in Iraq. The day signifies the tenth day of Muharram which is the first month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This day commemorates the martyrdom of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad - Imam Hussein ibn Ali. Today, the holiday is observed through mourning rituals and passionate acts of remembrance.
The city of Karbala in Iraq is the central location for the Ashura observance, as it is where the Battle of Karbala took place in 680 AD. This battle led to the death of Imam Hussein and his small group of followers, solidifying the divide between the Shiite and Sunni sects of Islam. During Ashura, millions of Shi'a pilgrims travel to Karbala to visit the Imam Hussein Shrine. The streets of Karbala are filled with mourning processions, where men beat their chests and chant lamentations for the martyr.
In addition to the mourning rituals, Ashura in Iraq has another unique element known as the Tuwairij run. This event reenacts the arrival of Hussein’s relatives from the nearby city of Tuwairij. Thousands of men, and even some women and children, take part in a symbolic run towards the Imam Hussein Shrine. Regardless of the ritualistic mourning and deep-seated sadness, Ashura is considered a day of respect, honor, and remembrance of a significant figure in Islamic history.