In the year 680 CE, Imam al-Hussein died during the Battle of Taf in Karbala, Iraq. He was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and, for Shiite Muslims, one of the three holiest figures in their religion. To commemorate his passing, Shiites from around the world hold the week-long Arbaeen Pilgrimage to his gravesite 40 days after his death. This period of 40 days is the traditional Muslim mourning period following a death. Imam al-Hussein’s tomb is in the town of Karbala, about 50 miles south of Baghdad. For Shiite Muslims, the city is also believed to be a gate to paradise. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary