Muslims Converge on Karbala for Mourning Procession

Tens of thousands from Iraq, Pakistan, India, Iran, Bahrain, Lebanon, Azerbaijan and Turkey on Wednesday were trekking a key road between Najaf – another holy city in Iraq – and Karbala on foot in a sign of devotion.

The occasion, known as Arba’een, has invariably served a driving force for Muslim unity in the face of attempts to create divergence, animosity, and misunderstanding.

Each year, followers of other religious groups such as Christians and Sunni Muslims join the journey to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the third Imam of Shia Muslims.

The occasion has found additional significance in recent years as it become a rallying cry for the campaign against Takfiri terrorists who have frequently targeted the pilgrims.

On Monday, Daesh terrorists targeted the pilgrims in Karbala and security forces in Fallujah, another central city, killing at least six people in each attack.