On Tuesday, devout Shiite Muslims commemorated the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson with mass flagellation ceremonies.
Known as Ashura, the ritual is celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram (the first month of the lunar calendar).
It marks the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Holy prophet in 680 AD in Karbala, near Baghdad in Iraq. He was killed by political rivals alongside an army of 72 men. Hussein's body was then mutilated, leading to his martydom.
As well as marking the occasion with self-flagellation - to emulate the suffering of Hussein - some take part in processions which involve walking on coals and carrying a ‘Tazia’ - a replica of his coffin.
A Muslim boy does a fire walk during the second night of Ashura, a commemoration involving running over fiery coals to mourn the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad. Photograph: Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images
Girls pray during the second night of Ashura in Yangon, Burma. Photograph: Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images
Lebanese Hezbollah supporters march during a religious procession to mark Ashura in Beirut's suburbs. Photograph: Aziz Taher/Reuters
Shi’ite Muslims perform with fire during commemorations for Ashura in Najaf, Iraq. Muslims across the world mark the day of mourning. Photograph: Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters
Muslim men flagellate themselves during a Muharram procession in Islamabad. Photograph: Faisal Mahmood/Reuters
Muslims in India carry a Tajia to commemorate Muharram. Photograph: PTI photo
