Iraq Shiites mourn martyred leader

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KARBALA (Reuters) — Streaming into the holy city of Karbala for a ceremony banned by Saddam Hussein, Iraqi Shiites are preparing to mark their most sorrowful religious anniversary — and to demonstrate their clout in the new Iraq. More than a million Shiites are expected to converge on the city to mark the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, killed and beheaded in battle 13 centuries ago.

It is a time for Shiites to reflect on centuries of persecution — culminating for Iraqi Shiites in the rule of Saddam Hussein.

The Sunni Muslim leader oppressed the Shiite majority and this is the first year in three decades worshippers will be able to freely mark Ashura, when men throng the streets beating their chests and heads in collective grief.

As well as new freedoms, Shiites hope the fall of Saddam will bring them political power to reflect their majority status.

Their most revered cleric, Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, has led demands for elections as soon as possible, and has criticised US plans for a quota system that would ensure Sunni Arabs and Kurds were represented in Iraq's transitional government.

"O Hussein your martyrdom was a catastrophe and a rebellion against injustice and oppression," read one huge red banner hoisted on the rooftop of Karbala's golden-domed shrine to Imam Hussein, one of the first Shiite leaders.

Shiites say that now Saddam has gone, it is time for their voices to be heard. And they warn Washington against trying to thwart their political aspirations.

"Shiites have their own say and America can never impose its word or views on them," Sheikh Saleh Juraisi, a religious administrator, told Reuters in his marble office within the compound of the Imam Hussein Shrine.

Juraisi said Sistani had conveyed to his followers that the Ashura ceremony should project Shiite power and discipline and rise above rivalry among competing clerics.

Sheikh Hamza Al Taei, a follower of radical cleric Moqtada Al Sadr whose supporters are deeply suspicious of Washington's intentions, says the rituals convey a powerful message.

"We do these rituals not for their own sake but to bring zeal into our souls to fight our oppressors," he said.

The outpouring of religious fervour during the month of Muharram reaches a climax on Tuesday, when Shiites mark the anniversary of Imam Hussein's death — known as Ashura. The self-flagellation symbolises their guilt for Hussein's death.

"Every tyrant is afraid of these religious rituals — America, Saddam and Israel," said Abbas Tufaili, one of thousands participating in the many mourning processions, wearing a green headband proclaiming loyalty to Imam Hussein and his father Imam Ali.

Under Saddam's secular Baath Party, Shiites say they were thrown in jail or executed for saying prayers with political overtones of defiance against the authorities.

Shiite authorities estimate that hundreds of thousands, some say millions, have already reached Karbala for Ashura. Mourners sleep on blankets thrown down on the sidewalks.

Large tents have been set up by the religious authorities for the many Iraqis coming to the city, unhindered by Saddam's security forces who prevented organised processions and chanting seen as overtly political.

In previous years, thousands would walk among orchards on the way to Karbala to avoid army patrols blocking processions.

"We are coming to Karbala to ask God's forgiveness. The Imam was killed in defence of Islam and we follow his footsteps," said Haider Al Maleki, a farmer who marched for miles to reach the holy city, 110 kilometres south of Baghdad.