Shia Muslims march in Dearborn for their faith and justice

Pumping their clenched fists, the crowd in a Dearborn park chanted Sunday in support of the grandson of Islam's prophet, Imam Hussain: "Labayka ya Hussain," they declared in Arabic, which means "We're with you, oh Hussain."

The scene inside Ford Woods Park was part of a procession and gathering for Shia Muslims during a holy season known as Ashura, which refers to the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic calendar. During the first 10 days of a 40-day mourning period taking place now, many Shias gather to remember the battles of Imam Hussain, who was killed on Ashura while fighting forces with the Islamic ruler Yazid in the 7th Century in what is now the country of Iraq.

Participants and speakers at the rally said the message resonates today in battles against modern-day tyrants and terrorists. ISIS and other extremist groups were strongly condemned at Sunday's rally.

"We're here to remember Imam Hussain and for Ashura, to remember his mission," said Hussein Berro, 33, of Dearborn, carrying a banner with Imam Hussain's image. "He stood up for justice, he stood up against oppression, he stood up for the weak ones, to refuse tyranny and to spread peace and justice."

Read more: http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/10/09/shia-muslims-march-dearborn-their-faith-and-justice/91825602/