Despite COVID-19, political crisis, Iraqi Shiites march on Karbala

Shiites across southern and central Iraq are marching to Karbala for Arbaeen.
Shiite Muslims take part in a mourning ritual in Iraq's central holy city of Karbala, on October 8, 2020, marking Arbaeen, the end of the 40-day mourning period for the seventh century killing of Imam Hussein, Prophet Mohammed's grandson. (Photo by Mohammed SAWAF / AFP) (Photo by MOHAMMED SAWAF/AFP via Getty Images)
Shiite Muslims take part in a mourning ritual in Iraq's central holy city of Karbala on Oct. 8, 2020, marking Arbaeen, the end of the 40-day mourning period for the seventh century killing of Imam Hussein. - MOHAMMED SAWAF/AFP via Getty Images
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Ali Mamouri
@AliAlMamouri

The commemoration of Arbaeen in Iraq was different this year due to the unique circumstances of the pandemic and political conflict.

Shiites across the world commemorate Imam Hussein's martyrdom on Oct. 8. They gather in Iraq, marching from various cities toward Karbala, where the holy Shrine of Imam Hussein is located. Non-Iraqi Shiites were not able to attend Arbaeen this year due to travel bans adopted by Iraq and other countries.

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