Arba’een pilgrims arrive in holy city of Najaf, Iraq (photo)

Pilgrims from across the world have arrived in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf ahead of Arba’een procession that marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) the third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Different institutions and organizations provide free services for those attending the major Islamic ceremony to show loyalty and respect for the third Shia Imam who was martyred, together with his companions and family members, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.