Dearborn — Thousands of Shi’ite Muslims walked through falling snow and freezing cold Saturday in Dearborn, Detroit, for Arba’een – the 40th day of the anniversary of the Ashura tragedy, commemorating the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad's (SAWA) grandson, Imam Husain (AS).

According to Detroit Free Press, waving religious flags and chanting, "We are with you, O Husain," the gathering chanted.

The 2-mile procession started at Karbala Islamic Education Center in Dearborn and ended at Hemlock Park, where speakers delivered messages on the exemplary life of Imam Husain (AS). They also called for peace in the Middle East.

The Imam's heroic martyrdom is a reminder for people to always stand up to tyrants and injustice, no matter what the cost.

Dearborn police estimated about 2,500 attended the parade, bigger than last year's rally. There were no incidents reported. The Dearborn procession took place as some 15 million pilgrims took part in similar ceremonies in Iraq.

Organized by Shi'ite Muslims of Iraqi origin, the annual procession in Dearborn has been held since 2004. It's a vivid display of the growth of the Iraqi-American community.

"We love you, Imam Husain (AS)," Husham al-Husaini, Head of the Karbala Center, said to the gathering in Hemlock Park. "We are coming here to renew our commitment to you because, Imam Husain (AS), you are the one who taught us the freedom, you are the one who taught us the dignity. ... He taught us the meaning of freedom."

Al-Husaini then led the crowd in chants of: "Love live Imam Husain (AS)," "Love live Karbala" and "Stop the war in the Middle East."

Arba'een is an Arabic word that means 40th. It marks the 40th day after the anniversary of Imam Husain's (AS) martyrdom. In the Islamic world, 40 days is the traditional time period that people mourn a person's death.