Shi’ite Muslims across several countries were seen covered in blood as they cut, whipped and struck themselves with sharp objects during Ashura, an annual religious festival held to mourn the death of Imam Hussein.

Ashura, one of the most significant events in the Shi’ite Islamic calendar, commemorates the killing of Imam Hussein in a seventh-century battle. The occasion is marked by mourning rituals that honour his sacrifice and death.

As part of the observance, men and boys participated in acts of self-flagellation, with some cutting their scalps and others whipping themselves with chains fitted with blades.

In Iraq, large crowds of pilgrims gathered in Karbala, the city where Imam Hussein was killed and where his shrine is located. Many participants wore white garments stained with blood from self-inflicted wounds sustained during the rituals.

Thousands also took part in processions across Baghdad, where some mourners used razors to cut their heads while others engaged in various forms of self-flagellation to express their grief.

Similar gatherings were held in Iran, Lebanon and other countries as Shi’ite communities observed the annual commemoration.

This year’s Ashura follows months of tensions after a conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The development has resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian officials, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei, who was 86, served as Iran’s highest political authority and wielded significant influence over religious affairs. He was widely respected by Shi’ite Muslims around the world.

In Lebanon, thousands of mourners dressed in black assembled in Beirut’s southern suburbs at a shrine dedicated to former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in Israeli strikes in 2024. The gathering took place amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

Some women carried photographs of relatives who died during the conflict, including fighters affiliated with Hezbollah. Others displayed images of Nasrallah and Khamenei.

Many mourners were visibly emotional and broke down in tears.

While mourning the death of Imam Hussein remains central to Ashura observances, many participants were also remembering loved ones lost in recent conflicts.

In Nabatiyeh, a southern Lebanese city known for Ashura commemorations, residents gathered near the main square despite extensive damage caused by recent Israeli airstrikes. Some participants inflicted wounds on themselves as part of the mourning rituals.

The practice of self-flagellation remains controversial and is opposed by many Shi’ite Muslims, including members of Hezbollah.

For Shi’ites, the death of Imam Hussein remains a defining historical and religious event that continues to shape the beliefs and identity of the community.

Speaking on Friday, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem said the events surrounding Ashura reflected what he described as ongoing actions by the United States and Israel against Shi’ite groups. (Daily Mail)

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