Photos of Shiite Muslims around the world commemorating Ashoura

Shiite Muslims are commemorating Ashoura marking the th-century death of Prophet Muhammad s grandson Hussein that gave birth to their faith The rift between Islam s two main sects deepened after Sunnis killed Imam Hussein in battle in the Iraqi city of Karbala south of Baghdad in It continues to play a key role in shaping the identity of Shiites who represent over of the world s billion Muslims In the Shiite population Ashoura is viewed as a symbol of struggle against injustice and tyranny Participants usually wear black and set up black funeral tents a sign of mourning while carrying red flags that represent Hussein s blood Clerics recount the story of his death as people cry and beat their chests This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors Source