Despite Mideast wars, 20 million gather in Iraq for Shia pilgrimage

Large crowds of pilgrims fill the area between the two holy shrines in Karbala at sunset, with the illuminated dome and minarets of Imam Hussein's shrine visible in the background during the Arbaeen commemoration. Mohammed Sawaf for NPR hide caption toggle caption Mohammed Sawaf for NPR KARBALA, IRAQ – In the holy city of Karbala during the commemoration of Arbaeen, the story of the killing of Imam Hussein 1,400 years ago, resonates down through the centuries. It's in the plastic containers of cold water handed to sweltering pilgrims, not just for hydration but in remembrance of the water denied to the Imam and his followers before they were killed by a powerful army. For many of the 20 million pilgrims attending this year, the killing this year of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his family by Israel and the United States is a thundering echo of grave injustice against the Shia Muslims. Iran said more than three million of its pilgrims attended Arbaeen ceremonies in Karbala. A pilgrim raises his hands and chants amid the crowds during mourning rituals inside the Imam Hussein Shrine in Karbala during the Arbaeen commemoration. Mohammed Sawaf for NPR hide caption t...