TEHRAN – Iranians marked Ashura rituals on Sunday to commemorate the slaying of Imam Hussein (AS) who was martyred in the battle of Karbala in Iraq in 680 AD.

Across Iran, millions of mourners started the processions shortly after the sunrise, lining up in coordinated and orderly bands of passion plays and recitations of elegies which continued until the afternoon.

At the time of battle of Kerbala, Muslim lands were governed from Damascus by a despot called Yazid. He sent an army against Imam Hussein to demand an oath of allegiance but Imam Hussein refused. In the battle, Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (S) and the third Shia Imam, was martyred along with 72 of his companions.

The death of Imam Hussein symbolizes humanity's struggle against injustice, tyranny and oppression.

Professor Charles Taliaferro, a professor of philosophy at St. Olaf College, says “the life and sacrifice of Imam Hussein has been inspiring to both Muslims and non-Muslims.”

On characteristics of Imam Hussein’s movement, Taliaferro says, “I think it is a movement that prizes boldness, courage, faithfulness, integrity, being steadfast to the end.” 

NA/PA