Afghanistan's Shi'ite Muslims mark Ashura by self flagellation - using steel tipped fails to beat themselves.<br/> <br />The event commemorates the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein - a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.<br/> <br />It is the biggest event in the Shi'ite calendar, observed in other countries with sizeable Shi'ite communities such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria and Bahrain.<br/> <br />This participant says followers beat themselves because of the love they have for Imam Hussein, and to mourn his martyrdom.<br/> <br />This time last year a suicide attacker killed dozens of Shi'ite Muslims at a main shrine in Kabul.<br/> <br />This year Afghan forces have strengthed security, searching everyone entering the shrine.
