Ashura Mourning in Khanaqin Sends Hundreds to Hospital
At least 230 Ashura mourners in Khanaqin were hospitalized Sunday due to severe self-inflicted injuries during rituals, with several in critical condition. The incident occurred as over 2 million Iranian pilgrims entered Iraq for the annual commemorations.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — At least 230 participants in Ashura mourning rituals in Khanaqin have been hospitalized due to serious self-inflicted injuries, with several reported in critical condition, according to Kurdistan24's correspondent in Garmiyan, Harem Jaf.
The incident occurred on Sunday, July 6, 2025, corresponding to the 11th of Muharram 1447 Hijri, as Shia communities in Iraq, Iran, and other countries observed the annual Ashura commemorations. These rituals, often marked by acts of mourning such as chest-beating and self-flagellation, can sometimes escalate into practices involving sharp instruments and intense bloodletting.
Harem Jaf reported that those injured in Khanaqin were transported to the local hospital with heavy bleeding, and that some are in life-threatening condition. Health authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the response or the medical condition of those affected.
Ashura marks the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. While the commemorative practices vary across regions, more extreme expressions of mourning continue to pose serious health risks.
In a related development, Ali Abedi, Iran’s Consul General in Basra, announced that more than two million Iranian pilgrims have entered Iraq to participate in the Ashura ceremonies. Speaking to Iranian media, Abedi said that the pilgrims arrived through the Shalamcheh border crossing, near the Iraqi city of Basra.
According to Abedi, a coordination committee formed in the Arvand Free Trade and Industrial Zone has been liaising with Iraqi authorities to manage the influx of pilgrims. "We hope that this coordination will continue," he stated.
The Shalamcheh crossing lies 20 kilometers from the Iranian city of Khorramshahr and 15 kilometers from Basra, serving as one of the primary gateways for religious tourism between the two countries.
The mass gatherings and high number of injuries have raised public health and safety concerns, particularly in regions like Khanaqin, where healthcare infrastructure faces strain during large-scale events. Authorities have not yet commented on whether additional medical support or regulatory measures will be implemented to mitigate such incidents in the coming days of mourning.
Viewer discretion advised: The images below depict self-inflicted wounds sustained by Ashura mourners as part of the annual religious rituals:
