Rolling coverage of Tasu’a, a day before the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein

Muslims around the world are marking Tasu’a, a day before the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad. Tasu’a is the ninth day of the month of Muharram on the Islamic calendar. The day precedes Ashura when Imam Hussein and 72 of his companions were martyred in 680 AD. They were killed by the tyrant of their time, Yazid during the Battle of Karbala. Tasu’a is devoted to Imam Hussein’s half-brother, Abbas ibn Ali, who made proverbial sacrifices during the battle. The annual rituals attract millions of mourners in various countries. But this year, like the previous one, many large gatherings have been canceled due to the pandemic.