Iran Commemorates Tasua, Ninth Day of Muharram

Local Editor

Iran dressed up in grief as millions of Muslims are holding mourning ceremonies to commemorate Tasua, the ninth day of the lunar month of Muharram.
Mourning services have been in place nationwide since the beginning of Muharram.

During Muharram, Iranian people across the country traditionally cook and distribute Nazri (charity food) among their neighbors, family and the poor. Free food is also offered to people who are participating in the mourning ceremonies. They mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the third Shiite Imam, and 72 of his companions, who fell in a battle for justice against the second Umayyad caliph, Yazid I, in the Iraqi city of Karbala more than 14 centuries ago.

Ashura marks the day when Imam Hussein, along with 72 of his companions, was martyred in a battle against the second Umayyad caliph in Karbala, Iraq, more than 14 centuries ago.

Muharram ceremonies symbolize the eternal and unwavering stance of truth against falsehood and humanity's struggle against tyranny, the cause for which Imam Hussein was martyred.

The ceremonies are annually held during the days leading up to Ashura, the tenth day of the first month of the lunar calendar year, Muharram. The year's mourning ceremonies will culminate on Thursday, November 14, the day of Ashura.

Source: Websites