Mourning rituals begin at shrine of Imam Ali's son in Iraq's Saladin province

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Mourning rituals have begun at the shrine of Sayyid Muhammad, son of Imam Ali, in the Balad district of Iraq's Saladin province, with condolence banners raised at the site's entrance to mark the start of the Muharram observance. Local sources said large numbers of visitors gathered at the shrine, which holds historical and religious significance for Shia communities in the region, and that the banners were hung at the entry gate as part of the remembrance ceremonies. Balad, located north of Baghdad in Saladin province, is among the oldest settlements in the area. District security units said they have increased protective measures around the shrine for the duration of the observances. The rituals coincide with the start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Shia Muslims commemorate the killing of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Similar mourning events are being organized in cities across Iraq as the month begins.