The Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala province held a ceremony on Wednesday to change the flag atop Imam Hussein’s dome, peace be upon him, from red to black, marking the beginning of the sacred month of Muharram.
Large numbers of visitors to the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abu Al-Fadl Al-Abbas, peace be upon them, attended, together with officials and religious figures from inside and outside the province.
A red flag flies above Imam Hussein’s shrine throughout the year. On the first night of Muharram it is replaced with a black flag in mourning for the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, his household, and his companions in the renowned Battle of Al-Taff.