Iranians hold Muharram ceremonies, rituals on Tasu'a

Every year for more than a thousand years, in the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar called Muharram, Muslims and liberated humans from around the world, including Iran, commemorate the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions, in the event known as Ashura.

As part of the annual processions during the first ten days of Muharram to remember Imam Hussein, millions of Iranians from all walks of life put on their black dresses and attend nationwide mourning event.

The third Shia Imam and his 72 companions were all martyred after fighting thousands of troops of the ruling tyrant of the time, caliph Yazid I, in Iraq's Karbala desert in 680 AD.

During the ceremonies, eulogists recite the events of the Battle of Karbala and Islamic scholars elaborate on the underlying messages of Imam Hussain's stance against tyranny.

Mourning ceremonies in Hazart Masumah shrine, Qom Province, central Iran