Iraqis from all over the country have gathered in the holy city of Karbala ahead of Arbaeen to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions.
Arbaeen, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, comes 40 days after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of the third Shia Imam (AS). This year it falls on Thursday, October 8.
Mourning rituals are held every night in the holy city, especially at the holy shrines of Imam Hussein (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS).