Muslim Shiites light candles during the Shaabaniya ceremony commemorating the birth of Imam al-Mahdi, the 12th holiest figure for Shiite Muslims, in the central Iraqi city of Karbala.

Muslim Shiites light candles during the Shaabaniya ceremony commemorating the birth of Imam al-Mahdi, the 12th holiest figure for Shiite Muslims, in the central Iraqi city of Karbala. Mahdi is the 12th Imam who disappeared in the ninth century and Shiites believe that he will appear before the end of time to establish justice and true Islam in the world. Iraqi Shiite Muslim worshippers pray at the shrine of Imam celebrate the annual festival of Shaabaniya pray at the marking the birth of Imam al-Mahdi, revered by Shiites as the coming Messiah.