Daily Star's biggest headlines straight to your inbox!Members of a Muslim sect have been pictured slicing their own scalps with swords to spill their blood in a holy festival.Gruesome scenes of blood trickling down men's faces into their beards and clothing were captured on camera in Najaf, Iraq, on Thursday.Shiite Muslims self-flagellate themselves each year to mark Ashura, the ninth day of Muharram in the first month of the Islamic calendar.Cameras were at hand in the Imam Ali shrine to picture the pained grimaces and collective suffering from the mass demonstration of faith.By taking a sharp blade to their own flesh, participants believe their sins will be cleansed from their bodies.Helpers can be seen at the ceremony offering care and.
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