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    Pilgrimage to Karbala [Image 5 of 6]

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    Pilgrimage to Karbala

    KARBALA, IRAQ

    02.27.2008

    Courtesy Photo

    U.S. Navy           

    Hundreds of thousands of Shi'a and Sunni Muslims make a pilgrimage to the city of Karbala, Iraq to participate in the observance of the Arba'een religious holiday, Feb. 27. The religious observance of Arba'een is the culmination of the 40-day mourning period of Ashura, the commemoration of the death in battle, in 680 AD, of Husayn ibn Ali, the third Shi'a Imam, and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. While the occasion is of significance for both, Shi'a interpret the martyrdom of Husayn as a symbol of struggle against injustice, tyranny and oppression. Sunnis recognize the death of Husayn, but do not place religious significance to it. As one of the holiest cities in Shi'a Islam, Karbala is the center of the proceedings. The Shi'a celebration is characterized by pilgrims thumping their chests while other participants express their emotion with a traditional self-flagellation ritual. Only since the removal of Saddam Hussein have Iraqis been able to take part in Ashura/Arba'een.

    IMAGE INFO

    Date Taken: 02.27.2008
    Date Posted: 10.17.2011 09:08
    Photo ID: 78594
    VIRIN: 080227-N-8157C-225
    Resolution: 3072x2040
    Size: 1.24 MB
    Location: KARBALA, IQ

    Web Views: 90
    Downloads: 18

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