Devotion: Young boys mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson by beating themselves with blades

This happened on the streets of Iraqi capital, Baghdad and it was as a part of the holy Day of Ashura. Every year, they take part in these bloody self-flagellation ceremonies to mark the tenth day of the Islamic calendar. 

The day is also used to mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Husayn, who died at the Battle of Karbala. According to Sunni Muslims, the day is referred to as the Day of Atonement, the day Israelites were freed from the Pharaoh of Egypt.

credit:instablog9ja