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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A Kashmiri Shiite man carries a Palestinian flag during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 3, 2025, the seventh day of the Islamic holy month. Marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the procession blends religious mourning with political expression in a region shaped by deep sensitivities. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

Parents bring a small child to a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025. The event marks the eighth day of Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, with mourning rituals observed under tight security and political sensitivities. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A man flagellate themselves with blades during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on July 3, 2025. The traditional ritual mourns the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, reflecting deep religious devotion during the Islamic holy month of Muharram Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

The blood of a man that flagellate himselves with blades during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on July 3, 2025. The traditional ritual mourns the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, reflecting deep religious devotion during the Islamic holy month of Muharram Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A large crowd of Kashmiri Shiite Muslims joins a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025. Marking the eighth day of Ashura, the gathering commemorates Imam Hussain’s martyrdom with rituals of mourning and reflection under tight security. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

Three men flagellate themselves with blades during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on July 4, 2025. The traditional ritual mourns the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, reflecting deep religious devotion during the Islamic holy month of Muharram. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A Kashmiri Shiite woman carries a flag during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025, the eighth day of the Islamic holy month. Part of the Ashura mourning period, the event commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain through rituals like chest-beating and elegy recitations, reflecting deep religious devotion amid heightened political sensitivities. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A security team with a vehicle displaying a Palestinian flag protects visitors during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 3, 2025, the seventh day of the Islamic holy month. The event honors the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, blending religious mourning with political symbolism in a region of heightened sensitivity. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

Women attend as a large number of Kashmiri Shiite Muslims take part in a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025. The ceremony marks the eighth day of Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain with mourning rituals held under tight security and political sensitivities. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A Kashmiri Shiite child holds a Palestinian flag during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 3, 2025, the seventh day of the Islamic holy month. The event, mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, reflects both religious devotion and political expression in a sensitive region Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A young man with his face painted in the Palestinian flag takes part in a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025. The ceremony marks the eighth day of Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, with mourning rituals held under tight security and political sensitivities, as the face paint symbolizes humanity and support. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A large crowd of Kashmiri Shiite Muslims joins a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025. Marking the eighth day of Ashura, the gathering commemorates Imam Hussain’s martyrdom with rituals of mourning and reflection under tight security. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A mother brings a small child to a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025. The event marks the eighth day of Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, with mourning rituals observed under tight security and political sensitivities. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A large crowd of Kashmiri Shiite Muslims joins a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025. Marking the eighth day of Ashura, the gathering commemorates Imam Hussain’s martyrdom with rituals of mourning and reflection under tight security. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A young man with his face painted in the Palestinian flag takes part in a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025. The ceremony marks the eighth day of Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, with mourning rituals held under tight security and political sensitivities, as the face paint symbolizes humanity and support. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

men flagellate themselves with blades during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on July 4, 2025. The traditional ritual mourns the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, reflecting deep religious devotion during the Islamic holy month of Muharram. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A man flagellate themselves with blades during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on July 3, 2025. The traditional ritual mourns the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, reflecting deep religious devotion during the Islamic holy month of Muharram Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Kashmiri Shiites Mark Muharram Mourning - India

A Kashmiri Shiite man carries a Palestinian flag during a Muharram procession in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 4, 2025, the eighth day of the Islamic holy month. Part of the 10-day Ashura mourning period, the event commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Dressed in black, participants engage in chest-beating and recite elegies as expressions of grief and solidarity. The inclusion of political symbols like the Palestinian flag reflects the intersection of religious devotion and political sentiment in a region marked by heightened sensitivities and security measures. Photo by Umar Altaf/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays-Basque

FRANCE. PYRENEES-ATLANTIQUES (64) PAYS BASQUE. AQUITAINE REGION. LABOURD. CAMBO-LES-BAINS. ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. PAINTING OF THE ALTARPIECE (THE MARTYRDOM OF ST LAWRENCE) Photo by Gerard Sioen/Only France/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

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

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

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

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The first procession in Ras Al-Bishara marks the departure of pilgrims on foot to the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq on July 18, 2025. The annual pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen if occurring during its traditional period, or in this case a prelude to it, draws millions of Shia Muslims from across Iraq and neighboring countries. Pilgrims walk for hundreds of kilometers to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The journey is not only religious but also deeply symbolic of faith, resilience, and communal solidarity. In Ras Al-Bishara, families, community leaders, and volunteers gather to send off the first groups of walkers, offering food, water, and prayers as part of long-standing traditions of hospitality and devotion. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The first procession in Ras Al-Bishara marks the departure of pilgrims on foot to the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq on July 18, 2025. The annual pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen if occurring during its traditional period, or in this case a prelude to it, draws millions of Shia Muslims from across Iraq and neighboring countries. Pilgrims walk for hundreds of kilometers to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The journey is not only religious but also deeply symbolic of faith, resilience, and communal solidarity. In Ras Al-Bishara, families, community leaders, and volunteers gather to send off the first groups of walkers, offering food, water, and prayers as part of long-standing traditions of hospitality and devotion. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The first procession in Ras Al-Bishara marks the departure of pilgrims on foot to the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq on July 18, 2025. The annual pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen if occurring during its traditional period, or in this case a prelude to it, draws millions of Shia Muslims from across Iraq and neighboring countries. Pilgrims walk for hundreds of kilometers to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The journey is not only religious but also deeply symbolic of faith, resilience, and communal solidarity. In Ras Al-Bishara, families, community leaders, and volunteers gather to send off the first groups of walkers, offering food, water, and prayers as part of long-standing traditions of hospitality and devotion. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The first procession in Ras Al-Bishara marks the departure of pilgrims on foot to the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq on July 18, 2025. The annual pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen if occurring during its traditional period, or in this case a prelude to it, draws millions of Shia Muslims from across Iraq and neighboring countries. Pilgrims walk for hundreds of kilometers to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The journey is not only religious but also deeply symbolic of faith, resilience, and communal solidarity. In Ras Al-Bishara, families, community leaders, and volunteers gather to send off the first groups of walkers, offering food, water, and prayers as part of long-standing traditions of hospitality and devotion. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The first procession in Ras Al-Bishara marks the departure of pilgrims on foot to the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq on July 18, 2025. The annual pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen if occurring during its traditional period, or in this case a prelude to it, draws millions of Shia Muslims from across Iraq and neighboring countries. Pilgrims walk for hundreds of kilometers to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The journey is not only religious but also deeply symbolic of faith, resilience, and communal solidarity. In Ras Al-Bishara, families, community leaders, and volunteers gather to send off the first groups of walkers, offering food, water, and prayers as part of long-standing traditions of hospitality and devotion. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The first procession in Ras Al-Bishara marks the departure of pilgrims on foot to the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq on July 18, 2025. The annual pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen if occurring during its traditional period, or in this case a prelude to it, draws millions of Shia Muslims from across Iraq and neighboring countries. Pilgrims walk for hundreds of kilometers to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The journey is not only religious but also deeply symbolic of faith, resilience, and communal solidarity. In Ras Al-Bishara, families, community leaders, and volunteers gather to send off the first groups of walkers, offering food, water, and prayers as part of long-standing traditions of hospitality and devotion. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The first procession in Ras Al-Bishara marks the departure of pilgrims on foot to the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq on July 18, 2025. The annual pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen if occurring during its traditional period, or in this case a prelude to it, draws millions of Shia Muslims from across Iraq and neighboring countries. Pilgrims walk for hundreds of kilometers to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The journey is not only religious but also deeply symbolic of faith, resilience, and communal solidarity. In Ras Al-Bishara, families, community leaders, and volunteers gather to send off the first groups of walkers, offering food, water, and prayers as part of long-standing traditions of hospitality and devotion. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The first procession in Ras Al-Bishara marks the departure of pilgrims on foot to the holy city of Karbala in southern Iraq on July 18, 2025. The annual pilgrimage, known as Arbaeen if occurring during its traditional period, or in this case a prelude to it, draws millions of Shia Muslims from across Iraq and neighboring countries. Pilgrims walk for hundreds of kilometers to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The journey is not only religious but also deeply symbolic of faith, resilience, and communal solidarity. In Ras Al-Bishara, families, community leaders, and volunteers gather to send off the first groups of walkers, offering food, water, and prayers as part of long-standing traditions of hospitality and devotion. 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