The martyrdom of the Imam Hussain and his 72 companions at Karbala, facing an army of 40,000 and choosing to die with honour rather than to live in humiliation in 61AH (680 AD) is celebrated by Shia Muslims around the world. Their 40 days of remembrance and mourning begin with Ashura and end with the Arbaeen procession which took place at Marble Arch in London last Sunday.
The 72 martyrs of Karbala were all decapitated, and their heads paraded impaled on spears on a long march through towns and villages to the city of Damascus, 750 miles away, as a warning to others not to rebel. The captured women and children were forced to march along with them.
It is impossible not to be impressed by the fervour of those taking part in the events, and their devotion to the Imam and the ideals that he stood for. It is also a colourful event, with costumes and golden shrines as well as a decorated horse, and some intense performances.
