Shi’ite Muslims at the al-Khoei Islamic Center in Queens prepare to flagellate themselves during a procession marking the festival of Ashura. Ashura is a 10-day event marking the death of the Prophet Mohammad’s grandson and revered saint, Iman Hussein, in Iraq 1,300 years ago. Although condemned by many Muslims, the practice of self-flagellation among the Shi’ite during the Ashura is ...