Karbala: Huge festivals mark Imam Hussein (p)’s B-day

By: Ismail Zabeeh

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Holy Shrines of Al-Imam Al-Hussein bin Ali bin Abi Talib and Al-Abbas bin Ali bin Abi Talib (peace be on them) as well as streets, mosques, markets and buildings were bedecked with lights, colorful shiny ribbons, streamers, buntings, flags and decorations as happiness and joy overfilled the devotees.

All this was made marking the birth anniversary of Chief of Youths of Paradise, Grandson of Head of Messengers and Prophets Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him & his pure progeny), Master of Martyrs Al-Imam Abu Abdellah Al-Hussein (peace be on him) on 3rd of Sha’ban, the eighth month of Islamic calendar.

Grand festivals were held at the holy shrines attended by tens of thousands of visitors from across the country as well as from other countries. People greeted each other, exchanged gifts, wore beautiful new dresses, arranged feasts and distributed sweetmeats to the visitors of the shrines and all devotees. Charity foundations made arrangements of meals for the poor.

Banners and signboards inscribed with greeting statements were also displayed in different parts of Iraq.

Pavilions and nomadic tents were set up decorated by colored flags, carpets engraved with surahs from the Holy Quran, beautiful artistic paintings and pieces of embroideries.

Offices of ulema and Hawzaat Ilmiyah organized special programs marking the scented occasion while different associations and organizations arranged festive gatherings across the country. Eulogists recited Qasa’id (eulogies) and speakers highlighted the pious life of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (peace be on him) and his lofty status in the sight of Allah and His Prophet (peace be on him & his pure progeny).

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