Shi'ite Muslims all over the world have been beating themselves with sharp blades, covering their bodies in mud and lighting bonfires in the streets to mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.

In 2015, Ashura falls on Nov. 3-4. The Islamic holy day is a voluntary day of fasting that marks the day Noah left the Ark, the time when the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, and the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

For Shiite Muslims, Ashura is all about the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.

Men feverishly thrashing themselves over each shoulder in turn with the sharp 'whips', each of which carries five curved blades. Each man chants incessantly the name of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson.

Hussein was killed in a 7th Century battle in Karbala, Iraq, and the zanjeer zani is a way of mourning the anniversary of his death, known as the Day of Ashurah.

Some Muslim clerics have criticised the holy day because they believe it gives a negative image of their religion

No shit! Sherlock!

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