Dhi Qar provincial council suspends work Wednesday for Ashura commemoration

DHI QAR, Iraq — The Dhi Qar Provincial Council has approved a one-day suspension of official administrative duties on Wednesday to allow public participation in Ashura commemorations marking the 10th day of Muharram. A local source said the decision was made to enable residents to attend mourning rituals marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions at the Battle of Karbala. The Battle of Karbala, fought on the 10th of Muharram in the year 680 AD, is observed annually by Shia Muslims, particularly in the Iraqi holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, where major commemorations are held at the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas. Ashura falls on Friday this year, but the council voted to bring the work suspension forward to Wednesday to accommodate public observances. The day marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam, along with his brothers, sons, nephews, relatives and companions.