Massive crowds mark Ashura in Karbala
Large crowds of Shi'ite pilgrims gathered in Karbala, Iraq to participate in the Tuwairij run, a significant ritual during Ashura that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Pilgrims ran between the Imam Hussein and Imam Abbas shrines, engaging in mourning rituals such as chest-beating and chanting, while water sprinklers provided relief from the heat. Ashura, which lasts over a week, culminates on the 10th day of Muharram, marking the moment Imam Hussein was killed in 680 CE.
This year's observance took place amid heightened security due to regional tensions, including the Israel-Iran conflict and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Iraqi authorities implemented strict security measures to protect the pilgrims, recalling past attacks by extremist groups like ISIS. Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari coordinated with intelligence agencies and Shiite militias to ensure safety.
Ashura was also observed in other countries with significant Shiite populations. In Iran, millions participated in nationwide rituals, while commemorations in Damascus, Syria, were subdued due to recent political upheavals. In Lebanon, Hezbollah led Ashura events, intertwining religious observance with political messaging. Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, emphasized the group's refusal to disarm until Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and ceases airstrikes, asserting that they would not accept normalization with Israel.
The Lebanese government heightened security during Ashura, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ordering the arrest of armed individuals participating in the commemorations. These events reflect the complex interplay between religious observance and political dynamics in the region, underscoring the enduring tensions that shape the context of Ashura commemorations.
