9th Muharram marked on the eve of the Day of Ashura

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A young boy whips the body in an act of self-flagellation. Typically, flogging is imposed on an unwilling subject as a punishment; however, it can also be submitted to willingly, or performed on oneself, in religious or sadomasochistic contexts.

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Men whip their bodies till they bleed, in an act of self-flagellation. It is the prescribed punishment for offences including fornication, alcohol use and slander.

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In some Shi'ite communities worldwide, Shi'ites march in massive parades while flogging themselves on the back with knives, blades and chains every year to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein.

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Shi'ite Muslim men and boys take part in self-flagellation, or flogging, during a religious procession ahead of the Ashura festival in Peshawar, Pakistan. 5th December 2011

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In some Shi'ite communities worldwide, Shi'ites march in massive parades while flogging themselves on the back with knives, blades and chains every year to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein.

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Shi'ite Muslim men and boys take part in self-flagellation, or flogging, during a religious procession ahead of the Ashura festival in Peshawar, Pakistan. 5th December 2011

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Police on horseback watch the procession go by.

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Police watch the procession go by.

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A young boy with a red bandanna takes part in the 9th Muharram celebrations.

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In some Shi'ite communities worldwide, Shi'ites march in massive parades while flogging themselves on the back with knives, blades and chains every year to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein.

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Men whip their bodies till they bleed, in an act of self-flagellation. It is the prescribed punishment for offences including fornication, alcohol use and slander.

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Men whip their bodies till they bleed, in an act of self-flagellation. It is the prescribed punishment for offences including fornication, alcohol use and slander.

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In some Shi'ite communities worldwide, Shi'ites march in massive parades while flogging themselves on the back with knives, blades and chains every year to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein.

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A young boy with a red bandanna takes part in the 9th Muharram celebrations.

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A young boy with a red bandanna takes part in the 9th Muharram celebrations.

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Shi'ite Muslim men and boys take part in self-flagellation, or flogging, during a religious procession ahead of the Ashura festival in Peshawar, Pakistan. 5th December 2011

Shi'ite Muslim men take part in self-flagellation during a religious procession ahead of the Ashura festival in Peshawar December 5, 2011. Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, who was killed in the 7th century battle of Kerbala.Photo By Bilawal Arbab