With the changing of the flags of the two holy shrines of Karbala from red to black, the start of two months of mourning was officially announced. This exchange took place after the Maghrib and I’sha prayers and before the eyes of thousands of pilgrims.
This ceremony began with the recital of a few verses from the holy Qur’an, a speech by Sayyid Salih al-Haydari, who is the head of the ‘Iraq Shi’a Endowments’ establishment, and a speech by Sheikh Abd al-Mahdi al-Karbalaei, who is the head of the holy threshold (shrine) of Imam Hussein (as) and a representative of Ayatollah Sistani.
Sayyid al-Haydari said the following while delivering his speech: “Those who have come to visit the shrine of Imam Hussein (as) are true warriors and supporters of justice, and Imam Hussein (as) is the symbol of bravery, honour and generosity. When visiting the shrine of the Imam (as) we must show the utmost humility and lower our voices out of respect.”
After the speeches, while the atmosphere was one full of grief and sorrow, people watched as the red flag situated on the top of the dome of Imam Hussein’s (as) shrine was changed to one which is black. This was carried out by the servants of the holy shrine. After this ceremony finished, people moved towards the shrine of Abul Fadhl al-Abbas (as) to also witness the change of flags there.