Massive crowd of mourners took to the streets and mosques in Iran to pay tribute to Imam Hussein (AS) who devoted his life to Islam in a battle in Karbala in 680 AD.

Men, women and children, dressed in black, have been holding mourning ceremonies since ten days ago to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and his uprising for justice.

Each year, the mourning rituals start with the Islamic lunar month of Muharram and reach their climax on the tenth day of the month, known as Ashura.

The third Shiite Imam, along with 72 of his companions, was martyred in a battle against the second Umayyad caliph, Yazid ibn Muawiyah, in the Iraqi region of Karbala, after he refused to pledge allegiance to the ruling tyrant.

For Muslims, Ashura has become a symbol of eternal stance of truth against falsehood, and lies at the heart of all struggles against oppression and tyranny.

Iranian mourners usually gather at the main streets and mosques for commemorating the event.

Iranians traditionally cook food for charity (called Nazri) and distribute it among their neighbors, family and poor people. Free food is also offered to people who perform the mourning rites.

Many Iranians also travel to Iraq to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein near his holy shrine, located in the city of Karbala; Tasnim reported.

S/SH