Always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). Due to the prevailing terrorist threat, individuals should remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. More generally, the security environment in Iraq remains complex. Foreign personnel also should remain aware of cultural and religious sensitivities failure to observe local customs regarding the display of flags and other symbols has sparked major protests in the past. Caution is also advised in the 48 hours following the commemorations IS has previously targeted returning pilgrims after major religious festivals to take advantage of the easing of security and travel restrictions. terrorist tactics).Įxercise caution during Ashura celebrations in Shi’a communities, particularly in the central regions where Shia and Sunni majority communities are intermingled. The Iraqi and Kurdish militaries’ recent successes against IS (Mosul, Tal Afar, and ongoing operation in Hawijah) are likely to spur retaliatory attacks and there is much evidence to assume that as IS continues to lose its territory, it will increasingly employ asymmetrical means of warfare (e.g. The Shi’a-dominated south is less permissive to IS however, the group retains the intent and capability to conduct high-profile attacks and often prioritizes major public gatherings such as Ashura processions. Large public gatherings are common during Ashura, sometimes featuring self-flagellation and lamentations. There is an increased likelihood of Sunni extremist groups, including the Islamic State (IS), targeting Shi’a Muslims in terrorist attacks during Ashura.Īshura is commemorated by Shi’a Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hussain, who died at the Battle of Karbala. Short-notice lane and full route closures are likely. The Moon-Sighting Committee of the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars in North America announces that Wednesday, March 29th, 2017 will be the. Transportation disruptions and increased security are likely around majority Shi’a neighborhoods and on major pilgrimage routes between Iraq’s major cities and the Karbala shrine. In Iraq, the city of Karbala (65 km southwest of the capital Baghdad) will see a large influx of pilgrims who come to pay homage to Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who died in battle in Karbala. Shia Muslims commemorate Imam Hussain during the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar.Īnd this year, with Remembrance Day, "we remember our veterans who fought for our country," she said.Īlaghar said it's important to demonstrate peace by walking to show the community that "our God teaches us nothing but love.Ashura, the tenth day of the month of Muharram on the Islamic calendar and one of the most holy days in Shi’a Islam, is set to take place between Friday, September 29, and Sunday, October 1 (depending on the sighting of the moon). "We are here working for unity and peace," said Duaa Alaghar.Īlaghar said Imam Hussain stood up against racism, injustice and oppression and each year the Islamic Humanitarian Service marks his passing. This post includes timings for both Fiqh-e-Hanafia (Sunni) and Fiqh-e-Jafri (Shia), so you can find the one that’s relevant to you. Walkers marched from the plaza at University Avenue and Bridge Street to the Islamic Humanitarian Service on Hollinger Crescent. This year's peace walk coincided with annual Remembrance Day celebrations with many walkers wearing poppies. It's the fifth annual walk organized by members of the Islamic Humanitarian Service in Kitchener as a commemoration to Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, a historical figure for Shia Muslims. WATERLOO REGION - About 100 local Muslims gathered in Waterloo to walk for peace Saturday.
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