Mourning Processions Begin in Karbala Ahead of Imam Ali Martyrdom Anniversary

TEHRAN (IQNA) – People in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, have started holding mourning rituals and procession on the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali (AS), the first Shia Imam.

The first procession was organized on Monday night with the participation of religious congregations, scholars, seminary students and different groups of people, Noon news website reported.

They observed rituals like beating their chests, flagellating their shoulders and reciting elegies.

Monday marked the 19th of Ramadan, the anniversary of the day when the first Shia Imam, while saying prayers at the Kufa Mosque, was struck in the head with a poisonous sword by Ibn Muljam Muradi, a Kharijite.

Imam Ali (AS) was martyred two days later on the 21st day of Ramadan.

Every year, Shia Muslims and others in different parts of the world hold mourning ceremonies on the 21st day of Ramadan.

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