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Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Participants perform traditional mourning rituals during the Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Shia Muslim devotees beat their chests during a Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Participants perform traditional mourning rituals during the Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Shia Muslim devotees beat their chests during a Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Participants perform traditional mourning rituals during the Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Participants perform traditional mourning rituals during the Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Participants perform traditional mourning rituals during the Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Participants perform traditional mourning rituals during the Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Shia Muslim devotees beat their chests during a Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Participants perform traditional mourning rituals during the Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Shia Muslim devotees beat their chests during a Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Shia Muslim Chehlum - India

Shia Muslim devotees beat their chests during a Chehlum procession in Prayagraj, India, on August 15, 2025. Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is a Shia Muslim religious observance held 40 days after Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Karbala Rituals - Iraq

Mourning of Bani Assad on the 13th of Muharram in Karbala, Iraq. On July 9, 2025, Shiite Muslim mourners participate in the traditional commemoration known as the Mourning of Bani Assad, which takes place annually on the 13th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The ritual honors the women of the Bani Assad tribe who, according to tradition, buried the unrecognized bodies of Imam Hussein and his companions after the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Dressed in black, participants gather near the holy shrine of Imam Hussein, chanting elegies and performing mourning processions to express grief and solidarity. This deeply symbolic event reflects the enduring historical and spiritual significance of Karbala for Shiite communities across the world, especially during the sacred month of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom of one of the most revered figures in Shia Islam. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Karbala Rituals - Iraq

Mourning of Bani Assad on the 13th of Muharram in Karbala, Iraq. On July 9, 2025, Shiite Muslim mourners participate in the traditional commemoration known as the Mourning of Bani Assad, which takes place annually on the 13th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The ritual honors the women of the Bani Assad tribe who, according to tradition, buried the unrecognized bodies of Imam Hussein and his companions after the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Dressed in black, participants gather near the holy shrine of Imam Hussein, chanting elegies and performing mourning processions to express grief and solidarity. This deeply symbolic event reflects the enduring historical and spiritual significance of Karbala for Shiite communities across the world, especially during the sacred month of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom of one of the most revered figures in Shia Islam. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Karbala Rituals - Iraq

Mourning of Bani Assad on the 13th of Muharram in Karbala, Iraq. On July 9, 2025, Shiite Muslim mourners participate in the traditional commemoration known as the Mourning of Bani Assad, which takes place annually on the 13th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The ritual honors the women of the Bani Assad tribe who, according to tradition, buried the unrecognized bodies of Imam Hussein and his companions after the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Dressed in black, participants gather near the holy shrine of Imam Hussein, chanting elegies and performing mourning processions to express grief and solidarity. This deeply symbolic event reflects the enduring historical and spiritual significance of Karbala for Shiite communities across the world, especially during the sacred month of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom of one of the most revered figures in Shia Islam. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Karbala Rituals - Iraq

Mourning of Bani Assad on the 13th of Muharram in Karbala, Iraq. On July 9, 2025, Shiite Muslim mourners participate in the traditional commemoration known as the Mourning of Bani Assad, which takes place annually on the 13th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The ritual honors the women of the Bani Assad tribe who, according to tradition, buried the unrecognized bodies of Imam Hussein and his companions after the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Dressed in black, participants gather near the holy shrine of Imam Hussein, chanting elegies and performing mourning processions to express grief and solidarity. This deeply symbolic event reflects the enduring historical and spiritual significance of Karbala for Shiite communities across the world, especially during the sacred month of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom of one of the most revered figures in Shia Islam. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Karbala Rituals - Iraq

Mourning of Bani Assad on the 13th of Muharram in Karbala, Iraq. On July 9, 2025, Shiite Muslim mourners participate in the traditional commemoration known as the Mourning of Bani Assad, which takes place annually on the 13th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. The ritual honors the women of the Bani Assad tribe who, according to tradition, buried the unrecognized bodies of Imam Hussein and his companions after the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Dressed in black, participants gather near the holy shrine of Imam Hussein, chanting elegies and performing mourning processions to express grief and solidarity. This deeply symbolic event reflects the enduring historical and spiritual significance of Karbala for Shiite communities across the world, especially during the sacred month of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom of one of the most revered figures in Shia Islam. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

An elderly Iraqi woman known as Hajiya Umm Hussein stands with her young daughter along a roadside in Basrah, Iraq, on July 22, 2025, offering water to pilgrims en route to Karbala. She performs this humble act of hospitality as part of a long-standing Shiite tradition during religious pilgrimages. The route to Karbala is a sacred journey for millions of Shiite Muslims, and local families like Umm Hussein’s take pride in serving the faithful along the way. Her gesture not only reflects religious devotion but also symbolizes resilience and generosity amid the economic hardship faced by many Iraqi families. Despite the challenges, she continues to honor this ritual of service, teaching her daughter the values of faith, compassion, and community. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

An elderly Iraqi woman known as Hajiya Umm Hussein stands with her young daughter along a roadside in Basrah, Iraq, on July 22, 2025, offering water to pilgrims en route to Karbala. She performs this humble act of hospitality as part of a long-standing Shiite tradition during religious pilgrimages. The route to Karbala is a sacred journey for millions of Shiite Muslims, and local families like Umm Hussein’s take pride in serving the faithful along the way. Her gesture not only reflects religious devotion but also symbolizes resilience and generosity amid the economic hardship faced by many Iraqi families. Despite the challenges, she continues to honor this ritual of service, teaching her daughter the values of faith, compassion, and community. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

An elderly Iraqi woman known as Hajiya Umm Hussein stands with her young daughter along a roadside in Basrah, Iraq, on July 22, 2025, offering water to pilgrims en route to Karbala. She performs this humble act of hospitality as part of a long-standing Shiite tradition during religious pilgrimages. The route to Karbala is a sacred journey for millions of Shiite Muslims, and local families like Umm Hussein’s take pride in serving the faithful along the way. Her gesture not only reflects religious devotion but also symbolizes resilience and generosity amid the economic hardship faced by many Iraqi families. Despite the challenges, she continues to honor this ritual of service, teaching her daughter the values of faith, compassion, and community. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

An elderly Iraqi woman known as Hajiya Umm Hussein stands with her young daughter along a roadside in Basrah, Iraq, on July 22, 2025, offering water to pilgrims en route to Karbala. She performs this humble act of hospitality as part of a long-standing Shiite tradition during religious pilgrimages. The route to Karbala is a sacred journey for millions of Shiite Muslims, and local families like Umm Hussein’s take pride in serving the faithful along the way. Her gesture not only reflects religious devotion but also symbolizes resilience and generosity amid the economic hardship faced by many Iraqi families. Despite the challenges, she continues to honor this ritual of service, teaching her daughter the values of faith, compassion, and community. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

An elderly Iraqi woman known as Hajiya Umm Hussein stands with her young daughter along a roadside in Basrah, Iraq, on July 22, 2025, offering water to pilgrims en route to Karbala. She performs this humble act of hospitality as part of a long-standing Shiite tradition during religious pilgrimages. The route to Karbala is a sacred journey for millions of Shiite Muslims, and local families like Umm Hussein’s take pride in serving the faithful along the way. Her gesture not only reflects religious devotion but also symbolizes resilience and generosity amid the economic hardship faced by many Iraqi families. Despite the challenges, she continues to honor this ritual of service, teaching her daughter the values of faith, compassion, and community. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

An elderly Iraqi woman known as Hajiya Umm Hussein stands with her young daughter along a roadside in Basrah, Iraq, on July 22, 2025, offering water to pilgrims en route to Karbala. She performs this humble act of hospitality as part of a long-standing Shiite tradition during religious pilgrimages. The route to Karbala is a sacred journey for millions of Shiite Muslims, and local families like Umm Hussein’s take pride in serving the faithful along the way. Her gesture not only reflects religious devotion but also symbolizes resilience and generosity amid the economic hardship faced by many Iraqi families. Despite the challenges, she continues to honor this ritual of service, teaching her daughter the values of faith, compassion, and community. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim fire eaters perform stunts on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim fire eaters perform stunts on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim jump over a fire on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim fire eaters perform stunts on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim fire eaters perform stunts on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim fire eaters perform stunts on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslims perform stunts with fire on stiks on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim fire eaters perform stunts on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim fire eaters perform stunts on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim fire eaters perform stunts on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim flagellate themselves on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Muharram Observation - Kolkata

Shia Muslim flagellate themselves on the tenth day of the Islamic holy month of Muharram during a procession marking Ashura, on the outskirts of Kolkata, India, on July 6, 2025. Photo by Rupak De Chowdhuri/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM