Shia Muslim pilgrims from around the globe are descending on the holy city of Karbala in Iraq to commemorate Arba’een.
Black-clad mourners are marching towards Karbala from various Iraqi cities and borders. The pilgrims will take part in one of the world's largest human gatherings, around Imam Hussein’s shrine.
The occasion marks forty days after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, who is the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Baghdad government has tightened security to protect pilgrims against terrorist attacks ahead of the mourning rituals.
Imam Hussein (PBUH) and his 72 companions were killed in the Battle of Karbala 14 centuries ago. They were martyred after refusing to pledge allegiance to the tyrant of the time, Yazid.
According to Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, the holy months of Muharram and Safar have kept Islam alive and advised preachers to promote genuine teachings of Islam during this period.
Muharram is the month in which justice has raised up against cruelty while truth has confronted falsehood, and has proved that throughout history truth has always been triumphant against falsehood.