Devotees turn Mosque Floor Red during Mass Flagellation to Mourn Shiite Martyr

AFRIK

By Mailonline

   They pay respects to the Prophet Mohammad and his martyred grandson with the flowing of their blood

         

                     

Blood is seen on the floor of a mosque as Indian Shiite Muslims flagellate themselves during a holy procession.

Muslims all over the world pay their respects with the flowing of their blood as they mourn the slaying and martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad.

He was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in the seventh century battle of Kerbala where some of the bodies of the dead were then mutilated.

The processions also involve walking on burning coals and carrying a 'Tazia' - replica of the coffin of Hussein.

Some participants gather for ceremonial chest beating as a display of their devotion in remembrance of his suffering and to preach that oppression will not last.

In some Shi'a regions of Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Bahrain, the commemoration has become a national holiday.

        Shiite Muslims carry a replica of the coffin of Imam Hussein during a Muharram procession in the northern Indian city of Allahabad