Shiite Muslims have been observing a solemn period of communal mourning leading to the day of Ashoura, which marks the seventh century killing of Hussein, a revered leader and a grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
Annual day of Ashoura commemorations are observed on the 10th day of the month of Muharram in the lunar-based Islamic calendar. In Shiite communities, Ashoura is viewed as a symbol of struggle against injustice and tyranny.
