HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: In commemoration of Martyrdom Anniversary of Al-Imam Ali b. Mousa Ar-Reza (A), which is marked on 17 Safar according to some traditions, grand mourning processions and sittings were held in the holy city of Karbala on Monday March 28.

The mourning programs that began on the eve of 17 Safar were largely attended.

Black-dressed men, women and children partook in the processions of replica coffins of Gharib-e-Tous, Anis An-Nafous, Shams Ash-Shamous Al-Imam Ali b. Mousa Ar-Reza (A) that were decorated with holy Quran, flowers, green Amamah (turban) and green wrap inscribed with sayings and titles of the eighth infallible imam from the progeny of holy Prophet (S), Imam Ar-Reza (A).

Different Husseini organizations and groups made special participation in the processions that were led by clerics, notables and chiefs of clans, expressing their deep devotion for Ahlol Beyt (A).

These mourning processions, parading through the streets of this holy city, culminated at the holy shrine compound of Al-Imam Abu Abdellah Al-Hussein (A) with tears, recitation of dirges, elegies and Azaa-ul Latom, or the chest and head beating.

Later, the participants turned to perform rites of Zeyarah and Doaa under the dome of Gharib Al-Ghorabaa Al-Imam Al-Hussein (A) and extending their condolences to him on the sufferings of his grandson Al-Imam Ali Ar-Reza (A) who was martyred with poison at the hands of Abbasid ruler Al-Mamoun (L).