With the start of Muharram, the first month on the Islamic lunar calendar, Shia communities across the globe go into mourning for the martyrdom of Husaain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad and their third Imam.
The mourning starts from the 1st night of Muharram and culminates in Ashura or the 10th day which marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, and 72 of his family members and companions in Karbala some 1400 years ago.
As preparations are underway across the globe, we decided to take a look at how Islamic communities' in Italy are getting ready for Ashura.
We went to an Islamic cultural centre in Rome to find out more about their preparations for that holy day.
The Imam Mahdi Islamic Association is a religious centre also devoted to improving dialogue between followers of different divine religions.
Muharram is a very important month for the Shia Muslims, and the Day of Ashura is one of the holiest.
A day of mourning and remembrance But our centre has also the aim of welcoming all those that are interested in learning about Islam, from whatever faith or background.
Others note that religious associations such as this one can prove to be an effective vehicle for friendship and social ties.
Here we meet new people and we learn from our differences.
And Shias are not alone in commemorating the occasion as they are joined by some Sunni Muslims as well as people from other religions.
Shah ast Hussain badshah ast Hussain,
(source:presstv.ir)
