The biggest gathering on Earth, November 9

in congregation •  8 years ago  (edited)

The Shia Muslim religious ceremony of Arba'een. Held forty days after the Day of Ashura, millions gather around the Husayn ibn Ali Mosque in Karbala, 100 km southwest of Baghdad, Iraq (32.61°N, 44.08°E).

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The Imam Husayn ibn Ali Shrine
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The Shia have come together to remember the sacrifice made by Husayn ibn Ali since the year 680ad. This is the site of the greatest human congregation on our planet. They come to celebrate free will and martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali in the face of injustice.
The Imam Husayn ibn Ali Shrine stands near the place that bore witness to an incredible battle in the year 680AD.
A grandson of the prophet Mohammed(pbuh), named Husayn ibn Ali and 72 of his most devoted followers were beheaded by the forces of an unpopular oppressive Caliph of Damascus, Yazid 1, ruler of the Ummayad Caliphate from 680-683ad.

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This event still echoes through the ages.

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The mausoleum is absolutely beautiful.

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It was estimated that in 2014 over 20 million people made the pilgrimage to Karbala for Arba'een. Keep in mind that their journey requires them to not bring anything. Along the way they have services like food, laundry, sleeping arrangements and medical care provided.

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