Moharram nights: Shrine of master of martyrs radiates holy lights

By: Ismail Zabeeh

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: AS soon as night takes the holy city of Karbala in its arms during this month of Moharram, Haramayn Sharifayn, or the two holy shrines of two brothers al-Imam al-Hussein (p) and Hazrat al-Abbas (p) illuminate with heavenly lights.

The red lights coming out of golden domes and minarets of the holy mausoleums wrap everyone in deep grief as well as the whole atmosphere.

This is the time when different organizations and foundations begin their activities and processions are taken out on the streets of this holy city.

Holding banners and flags, mourners from every quarter of the holy city march towards the al-Husseiniyah holy shrine and al-Abbasiyah holy shrine, and then culminate their processions at the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (p) where dirge-chanters recite dirges.

People from all layers of society attend these processions, shed their tears, pound their chests and chant those principles for which sake Imam Hussein (p) along with his 72 companions laid greatest sacrifice. Majalis are also held at homes.

It is a practice here that special meal and tea are served to the mourners.

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