This footage was filmed and produced 28 March 2021.
Thousands of Shiites muslims celebrate the night of Mid-Shaban and the birth of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi in Karbala Governorate.
Every year, millions of Muslims around the world celebrate the festival of Shab e Barat. It comes in the run-up to the start of Ramadan - the holy month when followers of Islam must fast every day from early in the morning until after sunset.
At present, we are in Shaban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.
This was traditionally the time when ancient Arab tribes scattered across the land in search of water. It is a night when Muslims believe the fortunes of men are decided for the year ahead and when Allah descends to earth and offers mercy and forgiveness to sinners.
Prayers are held through the night so that worshippers can ask for forgiveness for themselves and for their dead ancestors. Lamps are usually lit outside mosques.