Christian pilgrims dip in the waters of the Jordan River at the baptism site known as Qasr al-Yahud, near Jericho in the occupied West Bank, March 29, 2018. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun 

Chanting and flailing themselves in mourning for Imam Hussein, hundreds of thousands of Shi'ite Muslims from around the world gather in the Iraqi city of Kerbala for one of the most sacred rituals in their religious calendar. Arbain marks the culmination of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed who was killed in a 7th century battle in Kerbala. Shi'ites believe his remains are entombed there. Exhausted pilgrims, including women carrying their children, marched long distances to reach the shrines. Many, arriving by air from Iran, Pakistan or Bahrain, had landed in Baghdad several days earlier. Kerbala, 80 km south of the capital, was cloaked in black because of the robes worn by pilgrims, and bedecked in a sea of flags. Groups of people build camps where they cook, share food with others, and display decorative objects. Banners featuring Imam HusseinÕs words are put up on walls and buildings. The ritual is a time for sorrow and self-reflection. Mourning Shi'ites listen to recollections of how Hussein and his family were killed. The theme of martyrdom dominates, as pilgrims gash their foreheads with swords and beat themselves with chains. Hussein's death is interpreted by Shi'ites as a symbol of the struggle against injustice and oppression. Tents have been set up in Kerbala to provide a resting place for pilgrims, where men serve them cups of free tea. Others offer free massages to those arriving on foot from different cities, while tailors work on religious flags at a market. REUTERS/Abdullah Dhiaa Al-deen SEARCH "IRAQ SHIITES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Matching text: IRAQ-SHIITES/ 

Salisbury Cathedral celebrates the beginning of Advent with a candle lit service and procession, "From Darkness to Light", in Salisbury, Britain November 27, 2015. Picture taken with slow shutter speed. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Tibetan monks carry a portrait of Dalai Lama during his 80th birthday celebrations in Kathmandu July 6, 2015. Nepal ceased issuing refugee papers to Tibetans in 1989 and recognizes Tibet to be a part of China. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakara TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A Shi'ite Muslim pilgrim from India adjusts his robe during a visit at a shrine, located on the grounds of Barzilai Medical Center in the coastal town of Ashkelon February 8, 2015. The Israeli hospital, known mainly for treating the casualties of conflict in the nearby Gaza Strip, is home to a tomb where, in the view of some Shi'ite Muslims, the head of Hussein ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, lay interred for centuries following his death in battle. Picture taken February 8, 2015. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (ISRAEL - Tags: RELIGION) 

Muslim pilgrims pray upon their arrival to the plains of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca October 2, 2014. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: RELIGION) 

Muslim pilgrims walk during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mena, near the holy city of Mecca October 2, 2014. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: RELIGION) 

A faithful holds up a reliquary containing pieces of the robes of Pope John Paul II and his predecessor Pope John XXIII at the Buenos Aires' cathedral April 27, 2014. Pope Francis proclaimed his predecessors John XXIII and John Paul II saints in front of more than half a million pilgrims on Sunday, hailing both as courageous men who withstood the tragedies of the 20th century. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian (ARGENTINA - Tags: RELIGION) 

A faithful carries a reliquary containing pieces of the robes of Pope John Paul II and his predecessor Pope John XXIII at the Buenos Aires' cathedral April 27, 2014. Pope Francis proclaimed his predecessors John XXIII and John Paul II saints in front of more than half a million pilgrims on Sunday, hailing both as courageous men who withstood the tragedies of the 20th century. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian (ARGENTINA - Tags: RELIGION) 

Cardinal Mario Aurelio Poli holds up a reliquary containing pieces of the robes of Pope John Paul II and his predecessor Pope John XXIII at the Buenos Aires' cathedral April 27, 2014. Pope Francis proclaimed his predecessors John XXIII and John Paul II saints in front of more than half a million pilgrims on Sunday, hailing both as courageous men who withstood the tragedies of the 20th century. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian (ARGENTINA - Tags: RELIGION) 

A Buddhist monk wearing a gas mask points towards police positions as they clash with anti-government protesters near the Government House in Bangkok December 2, 2013. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Monday she would "open every door" to find a peaceful solution to a political crisis gripping Bangkok as police used rubber bullets against protesters seeking to topple her government. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (THAILAND - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) 

A veiled Muslim woman watches as she stands inside the compound of the Jama Masjid (Grand Mosque) after Eid al-Adha prayers in the old quarters of Delhi October 16, 2013. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha by the sacrificial killing of sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God's command. REUTERS/Mansi Thapliyal (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A Muslim pilgrim prays atop Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat during the peak of the annual haj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca early morning October 14, 2013. An estimated two million Muslims were in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Monday morning for the start of the annual Haj pilgrimage. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Widows sing and dance inside a marquee where an idol of Hindu goddess Durga is installed ahead of the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata October 7, 2013. Most of the widows who live in ashrams in Vrindavan, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, have been abandoned by their families. They will participate in the Durga Puja festival, the biggest religious event for Bengali Hindus, which will take place from October 11 to 14. Hindus believe that the goddess Durga symbolises power and the triumph of good over evil. REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Believers meditate at the Wat Mahaeyong temple during Asanha Puja Day, the eve of the Buddhist Lent, in Ayutthaya July 22, 2013. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha (THAILAND - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Buddhist monks pray at the Wat Mahaeyong temple during Asanha Puja Day, the eve of the Buddhist Lent, in Ayutthaya July 22, 2013. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha (THAILAND - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Orthodox Christians pray outside of one of 11 monolithic rock-cut churches, ahead of Orthodox Easter in Lalibela May 4, 2013.
REUTERS/ Goran Tomasevic (ETHIOPIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Notan Gayan, 36, dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, walks for alms from Hindu pilgrims at the confluence of the river Ganges and the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island, south of Kolkata, January 13, 2013. Hindu monks and pilgrims are making their annual trip to Sagar Island for the one-day festival of "Makar Sankranti" on January 14. REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Devotional objects with the picture of 'Holy Robe', reportedly worn by Jesus Christ, are on sale in a shop outside the German Cathedral of Trier April 15, 2012. The ancient town of Trier marks the 500th anniversary of the first public appearance of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Some 500,000 pilgrims are expected to visit to see the relic till May 13, 2012, since its last appearance dates back to 1996. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Candles with the picture of 'Holy Robe', reportedly worn by Jesus Christ, are on sale in a shop outside the German Cathedral of Trier April 15, 2012. The ancient town of Trier marks the 500th anniversary of the first public appearance of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Some 500,000 pilgrims are expected to visit to see the relic till May 13, 2012, since its last appearance dates back to 1996. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Pilgrims gather around the 'Holy Robe', reportedly worn by Jesus Christ, during the 20th pilgrimage in the German Cathedral of Trier April 15, 2012. The ancient town of Trier marks the 500th anniversary of the first public appearance of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Some 500,000 pilgrims are expected to visit to see the relic till May 13, 2012, since its last appearance dates back to 1996. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Pilgrims gather around the 'Holy Robe', reportedly worn by Jesus Christ, during the 20th pilgrimage in the German Cathedral of Trier April 15, 2012. The ancient town of Trier marks the 500th anniversary of the first public appearance of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Some 500,000 pilgrims are expected to visit to see the relic till May 13, 2012, since its last appearance dates back to 1996. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Pilgrims gather around the 'Holy Robe', reportedly worn by Jesus Christ, during the 20th pilgrimage in the German Cathedral of Trier April 15, 2012. The ancient town of Trier marks the 500th anniversary of the first public appearance of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Some 500,000 pilgrims are expected to visit to see the relic till May 13, 2012, since its last appearance dates back to 1996. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Pilgrims gather around the 'Holy Robe', reportedly worn by Jesus Christ, during the 20th pilgrimage in the German Cathedral of Trier April 15, 2012. The ancient town of Trier marks the 500th anniversary of the first public appearance of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Some 500,000 pilgrims are expected to visit to see the relic till May 13, 2012, since its last appearance dates back to 1996. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Pilgrims gather around the 'Holy Robe', reportedly worn by Jesus Christ, during the 20th pilgrimage in the German Cathedral of Trier April 15, 2012. The ancient town of Trier marks the 500th anniversary of the first public appearance of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Some 500,000 pilgrims are expected to visit to see the relic till May 13, 2012, since its last appearance dates back to 1996. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Pilgrims try to touch the 'Holy Robe', reportedly worn by Jesus Christ, during the 20th pilgrimage in the German Cathedral of Trier April 15, 2012. The ancient town of Trier marks the 500th anniversary of the first public appearance of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Some 500,000 pilgrims are expected to visit to see the relic till May 13, 2012, since its last appearance dates back to 1996. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Pilgrims gather around the 'Holy Robe', reportedly worn by Jesus Christ, during the 20th pilgrimage in the German Cathedral of Trier April 15, 2012. The ancient town of Trier marks the 500th anniversary of the first public appearance of the Seamless Robe of Jesus. Some 500,000 pilgrims are expected to visit to see the relic till May 13, 2012, since its last appearance dates back to 1996. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A Buddhist monk hangs amulets and "red shirt" insignias on his robe as he joins relatives and friends of killed members of the "red shirt" movement for prayers during a gathering near the Democracy Monument, the site of bloody clashes with Thai security forces, in Bangkok April 11, 2012. Supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, and members of the "red shirt" movement gathered in Bangkok to mark the second anniversary of bloody clashes and to commemorate their deceased comrades. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (THAILAND - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS RELIGION ANNIVERSARY) 

Mandaeans perform religious rituals under a parasol on the first day of the Benja festival in Baghdad March 16, 2012. Benja is a five-day religious holiday celebrated by Mandaeans, a monotheistic religion historically practised around the lower Euphrates and Tigris, and the rivers surrounding the Shatt-al-Arab waterway, part of southern Iraq and Khuzestan Province in Iran. REUTERS/Saad Shalash (IRAQ - Tags: RELIGION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) ) 

A Buddhist monk smiles as he adjusts his robe while speaking with his friend at a monastery in Yangon March 13, 2012. REUTERS/Staff (MYANMAR - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Arisman Pongruengrong, a prominent "red shirt" leader charged with terrorism, invading parliament and theft of military ammunition, prays at the Samphanthawong temple as he enters monkhood in Bangkok January 19, 2012. Pongruengrong, who is also a popular singer, entered monkhood on Thursday after being released on bail by the court last month. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (THAILAND - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY POLITICS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A female Hindu pilgrim offers prayers after taking a dip at the confluence of the Ganges river and the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island, south of Kolkata, January 13, 2012. Hindu monks and pilgrims are making an annual trip to Sagar Island for the one-day festival of "Makar Sankranti". REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Buddhist monks carrying kettles run towards the complex to serve tea to the devotees attending a teaching session being addressed by the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on the second day of the Kalachakra festival in the eastern Indian city of Bodhgaya January 2, 2012. The Kalachakra is a 10-day festival comprising Buddha teachings and meditations taking place at Bodhgaya, where Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A Buddhist nun holds prayer beads as she prays at the Shwedagon Pagoda during the yellow robe weaving festival in Yangon, late November 9, 2011. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun (MYANMAR - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Saudi policemen organise Muslim pilgrims casting stones at pillars symbolising Satan in Mena November 6, 2011. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha to mark the end of the haj by slaughtering sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God's command. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Muslim pilgrims cast seven stones at a pillar symbolizing Satan in Mena November 6, 2011. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha to mark the end of the haj by slaughtering sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God's command. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Muslim pilgrims pray on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca November 5, 2011. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Muslim pilgrims take shelter under umbrellas on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca November 5, 2011. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Muslim pilgrims pray on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca November 5, 2011. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Muslim pilgrims pray on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca November 5, 2011. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (SAUDI ARABIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A Buddhist monk walks in a flooded street in central Bangkok October 24, 2011. Thailand is struggling with its worst flooding in 50 years, which has affected a third of its provinces and could swamp more of its densely populated capital, Bangkok, if water flowing from the north and heavy rain cause canals to burst their banks. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj (THAILAND - Tags: ENVIRONMENT DISASTER TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) FOR BEST QUALITY IMAGE: ALSO SEE GM1E7CC1OWJ01. 

Members of the Samaritan community take part in the traditional pilgrimage marking the holiday of Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles atop Mount Gerizim near the West Bank city of Nablus early October 11, 2011. The Samaritans trace their ancestry to the northern Israelite kingdom that was destroyed by the Assyrians in around 720 BCE. Their faith shares many similarities with Judaism. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (WEST BANK - Tags: RELIGION) 

A priest takes off his robe after World Youth Day's opening mass at Madrid's Cibeles Square August 16, 2011. Up to a million pilgrims are expected to attend various events during the week, culminating in Pope Benedict's visit to Spain from August 18-21. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Priests take off their robes after World Youth Day's opening mass at Madrid's Cibeles Square August 16, 2011. Up to a million pilgrims are expected to attend various events during the week, culminating in Pope Benedict's visit to Spain from August 18-21. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Townsmen gather in the courtyard of the Tsuglakhang temple in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala to take part in the swearing-in ceremony of Lobsang Sangay, the elected prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile August 8, 2011. Sangay, a Harvard graduate, replaced the Dalai Lama as the Tibetan movement's political leader. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION) 

A Tibetan monk is caught in a moment as townsmen, who were taking part in a swearing-in ceremony for elected Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay, leave the Tsuglakhang temple in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala August 8, 2011. The photograph was taken using a slow shutter speed. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION) 

Townsmen gather in the courtyard of the Tsuglakhang temple, in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala, to take part in the swearing-in ceremony for Lobsang Sangay, the elected prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile August 8, 2011. Sangay, a Harvard graduate, replaced the Dalai Lama as the Tibetan movement's political leader. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION) 

The Dalai Lama (R) embraces Lobsang Sangay, the elected prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, after his swearing-in ceremony in the Tsuglakhang temple in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala August 8, 2011. Sangay, a Harvard graduate, replaced the Dalai Lama as the Tibetan movement's political leader. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Buddhist monk Geshe Tenley laughs as his robes flap in the breeze on the bow of a boat during the release of lobsters back into the ocean on "Chokhor Duchen", or the anniversary of Buddha's turning of the Dharma Wheel, in the waters off Gloucester, Massachusetts August 3, 2011. The group of Buddhists released about 500 lobsters that were caught by commercial lobstermen, after buying the lobsters from a wholesaler who would otherwise have sold the crustaceans to restaurants. Buddhists practice liberation of animals due for slaughter as an expression of compassion for the welfare of all beings and to accumulate karmic merit. It is believed the merits of such acts are multiplied if they are performed on Chokhor Duchen. REUTERS/Brian Snyder (UNITED STATES - Tags: ANIMALS ANNIVERSARY RELIGION IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Monks participating in a mass ordination program for Buddhist Lent are reflected in a puddle of rain water as they move from one ceremony to another at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok July 9, 2011. REUTERS/Adrees Latif (THAILAND - Tags: RELIGION IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Buddhist monks carry flags as they march through the gates of the Choeung Ek "Killing Fields" memorial, where the bodies of nearly 9,000 people killed by the Khmer Rouge were exhumed from mass graves, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh June 7, 2011. A large group of Buddhist monks and nuns from Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Japan gathered at Choeung Ek to pray for peace and for those who have died in wars and natural disasters. REUTERS/Samrang Pring (CAMBODIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY POLITICS) 

Buddhist monks walk through Borobudur temple during a procession on Vesak Day in Magelang, in Indonesia's Central Java May 17, 2011. Buddhists on Tuesday celebrate Vesak Day to honour the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. REUTERS/Dwi Oblo (INDONESIA - Tags: RELIGION IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A Tibetan nun stands in front of a mural of Potala Palace during a 24-hour hunger strike at the Tibetan Youth Club in Kathmandu May 5, 2011. The hunger strike was held to show solidarity with their compatriots in Aba, China's Sichuan province in what the protesters are calling a crackdown by Chinese security forces in the area last month after a 21-year-old Tibetan monk burned himself to death in March in Aba. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) 

A Tibetan monk adds oil to oil lamps at Tibetan Youth Club in Kathmandu April 18, 2011. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: RELIGION) 

Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, cleans his glasses during a press conference in Dublin April 13, 2011. The Dalai Lama is on a two day visit to Ireland. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION) 

A Buddhist nun walks in line with novice Thai nuns to receive food from people during the Songkran Festival at the Sathira-Dhammasathan Buddhist meditation centre in Bangkok April 13, 2011. The Songkran Festival, also known as the water festival, marks the start of Thailand's traditional New Year and is believed to wash away bad luck. REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang (THAILAND - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Brittny McCarthy (L), 32, and Adam Schomer, 35, watch the sun set in Santa Monica, California March 7, 2011. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A delegate dressed in robes takes a photograph on Tiananmen Square after leaving the opening ceremony of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 3, 2011. REUTERS/David Gray (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS) 

Cambodian Buddhist monks line-up to attend a hearing for former Khmer Rouge leaders at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) on the outskirts of Phnom Penh January 31, 2011. Former Khmer Rouge-era president Khieu Samphan, "Khmer Rouge First Lady" Ieng Thirith and "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea appeared at the UN backed tribunal for their bail hearing. REUTERS/Samrang Pring (CAMBODIA - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION CRIME LAW) 

Monks gather at Longhua Temple in Shanghai December 31, 2010.According to Chinese tradition, people who burn early incense in a Buddhist temple on the first day of the year will be blessed with peace and luck. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION)