Iraq. Kufa. 15 km from Najaf. Near the Muslem Bin Akel mosque, a money changer for pilgrims coming during the month of Muharram, considerated as one of the most important feast for the Shiism branch of Islam. The United States one hundred-dollar bill ($100) is a denomination of United States currency. U.S. statesman, inventor and diplomat Benjamin Franklin is currently featured on the bill. Iranian rial banknotes are the banknotes and the currency of Iran, a banknote featuring the Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini who was an Iranian religious leader and politician. The dinar is the currency of Iraq, featuring Saddam Hussein. A calender with the drawings of Imam Ali, Imam Hussein and Imam Abbas. Muharram is a month of remembrance that is often considered synonymous with the event of Ashura. Ashura, which literally means the "Tenth" in Arabic, refers to the tenth day of Muharram. It is well-known because of historical significance and mourning for the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad. Shi'a Muslims start the mourning from the 1st night of Muharram and continue for two months and eight days. However the last days are the most important since these were the days where Hussein and his family and followers were killed in the Battle of Karbala which took place on Muharram 10, in the year 61 of the Islamic calendar (October 10, 680). Muharam's month is considerated as one of the most important feast for the Shiism branch of Islam. Shia Islam is the second largest denomination of Islam. The followers of Shia Islam are called Shi'ites or Shias. 27.02.04 © 2004 Didier Ruef .