(WASHINGTON DC - February 5, 2010) The Islamic Information Center strongly condemns the series of attacks against Shia Muslims around the world that have occurred on the Holy Event of Arbaeen, the 40 day commemoration of Ashura. To learn more about Ashura, click here.


Suicide bombers are targeting Shia worshippers today in Iraq and Pakistan -- much like they did 40 days ago, on the Holy Day of Ashura.

More than 25 people were killed by two car bombs in Karbala -- one of the most important cities in Islam, where millions of people are gathered this week for Arbaeen, the 40 day commemoration of Ashura. The bombs targeted a group of worshippers as they were leaving the city.

It's the second high-profile bombing in Karbala this week -- the first, on Wednesday morning, killed roughly 20 people -- and the third anti-Shia attack: A female suicide bomber blew herself up in a crowd of Shi'ite pilgrims in Baghdad on Monday.


In Pakistan, a suicide bomber attacked a bus full of pilgrims in Karachi, killing at least a dozen of them. The bomber was driving a motorcycle loaded with explosives, according to Al-Jazeera; he blew himself up on a main road between Karachi and the airport.

The main Arbaeen procession, on MA Jinnah Road, is heavily guarded, so the bomber apparently chose a target away from the security cordon.

IIC is also hearing reports now that a second suicide bomber struck in Karachi -- this one at Jinnah hospital, where dozens of victims from the bus bombing were taken for treatment. Pakistani TV reporters described "stretchers flying through the air" after the bombing.


"The United States condemns the series of bombing attacks against Shia pilgrims in Iraq over the past week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement.

"Attacking men, women and children engaged in religious pilgrimage is reprehensible and exposes the cynical immorality of the terrorists who seek to replace Iraq?s hard-won progress with violence and intimidation," she said.


"They will not succeed in breaking the will of the Iraqi people. Iraqis are committed to realizing the promise of their democracy. There is no better rebuke to those who traffic in terror," she said.

These attacks are a horrific tragedy, and reminiscent of the original sacrifice of Prophet Muhammad's Grandson, Imam Husain, in which violent armies attacked peaceful travelers in an effort to perpetuate tyranny.  When the original Ashura attack against Imam Husain lead to his death, the death of the majority of his family members, and the imprisoning of small children and women, the event became a rallying cry for hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world to stand up against oppression. In this spirit, Ashura is commemorated as the reminder of the need for Muslims to stand united against oppressors.


Islam, as taught by the Holy Prophet and his family, strongly advocates peaceful dialogue and discussion and rejects violence. The Prophet Muhammad (May God Bless Him) condemned all forms of terrorism against all people. The individuals who perpetrated this attack blatantly acted against the teachings of Islam and humanity.

The Islamic Information Center, under the guidance of Imam Syed Naqvi, works to bring understanding among people of all faiths and background in an attempt to build bridges for the future to prevent hate crimes through education and tolerance. IIC also works to correct any misinformation about matters relating to the Holy Religion of Islam.