TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Millions of Shiite Muslims from Iran to Afghanistan and Pakistan were marking the festival of Ashoura on Monday, one of the most emotional occasions in their religious calendar, commemorating the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein.
Festival marks the 7th-century death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein; Shiites to hold mourning ceremonies across the region, including mass self-flagellations
Millions of Shiite Muslims are marking the festival of Ashoura that commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein. In Taliban-run Afghanistan, security forces are on high alert for any violence that could mar the celebrations.