Symbolising battle, red flag hoisted in Iran's holy city of Qom

A red flag has been hoisted atop of the Jamkaran Mosque, in the Iranian holy city of Qom, to symbolise a battle to come, according to tradition.

The flag reads “O’ the avengers of Hussein”, in reference to Prophet Mohammad’s grandson Hussein, one of the most revered figures for Shias, who was killed in battle in the Iraqi city of Karbala in the 7th century. Shias believe Hussein fought and sacrificed his life for justice.

As the centre of theology and the base of many religious authorities, the city of Qom holds a political and religious importance in Iran.