Sadr warns against 21 'foreign' practices at Karbala mourning rituals

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of Iraq's Sadrist Movement, has warned against 21 "foreign" practices that have appeared at Husayni mourning ceremonies in Karbala. In a statement, Sadr said the practices contradict the essence of the religious rituals, which commemorate Imam Hussein and the martyrs of Karbala. Sadr said the mourning events have moved away from their traditional form, adding that the practices do not align with established faith and moral values. He stated that the rituals' main purpose is to strengthen social awareness and spiritual values. The statement called for raising public awareness against such foreign practices. Sadr urged his supporters to reject them and to adhere to the traditional form of mourning.