Karbala mourning tents offer food, faith talks to Ashura pilgrims

KARBALA, Iraq — A representative of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said mourning tents in Karbala have begun early preparations for the annual Ashura pilgrimage, providing food and drinks to visitors along with religious lectures and sermons. Hazem al-Araji, who represents the Sadrist movement leader in the holy city, said the tents reject sectarianism and emphasize Muslim unity as a core message, framing their work as a response to Imam Husayn's call for reform. Al-Araji said coordination and security plans have improved each year, with security forces gaining experience in managing crowds that reach into the millions. He added that cooperation between residents and security services has helped keep the pilgrimage running safely and protect visitors.