Iranians attend the mourning ceremonies marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who rose against the tyrant ruler of the time Yazid ibn Muawiya. Imam Hussein (AS) and 72 of his companions and household members were martyred in the Battle of Karbala back in 632 AH. The ceremonies include passion plays, food donation, book exhibitions and local mourning across all cities and villages.