THESE incredible pictures show devout Muslims using knives to slice open their heads - and those of children - during the traditional Ashura show of faith in Iraq.

They are among the millions of Shia Muslim worshippers currently taking part in annual ceremonies to mourn the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

46 Babies were also participating in the ceremony of Ashura Credit: AFP or licensors

The images also show babies involved in the ceremonies, with one covered in blood during the event.

The men used large knives to cut their heads, while others helped to cut heads of those around them.

The processions and services held this week mark the holiest days in the Shia calendar, Tasua and Ashura.

During 10 days of mourning many of the devotees whip and cut themselves with chains and knives as a way of washing away their sins.

46 Young boys were among those that cut their heads Credit: Reuters

46 This small boy just cut his head open Credit: AFP or licensors

46 This baby is having its head cut open during the ceremony Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim child carries a sword as he bleeds Credit: Reuters

46 Some young boys opposed to getting their heads cut Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Young boys flagellated themselves to mark Ashura Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Boys cut their heads open in Iraq's southern city of Basra Credit: AFP or licensors

46 A Shia boy is getting his head cut open during the Ashura ceremony Credit: AFP or licensors

46 A child dressed in a military uniform gestures supporters of Hezbollah Credit: AFP or licensors

46 A little child attends the Universal Ashura Mourning Ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey Credit: Getty - Contributor

46 A child dressed in a traditional outfit gestures supporters of Lebanon's Shi'ite movement Credit: AFP or licensors

46 They believe God chose Ali to be Muhammad's successor, infallible, the first caliph (khalifa, head of state) of Islam Credit: Reuters

46 The men used large knives to cut their heads, and others helped to cut heads of those around them Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Other young boys cut their heads in Lebanon's southern town of Nabatieh Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Brahraini Shi'ite Muslims bleed after they flagellated themselves in Baghdad's Sadr City Credit: REUTERS

46 Blood-filled images show men soaked in their own blood during Ashura Credit: AFP or licensors

46 The Shia men cut themselves in the annual ceremony Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Chains with knives attached are used to whip the body to free it of sins Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Lebanese man bleeds after he sliced his head with a sword Credit: Reuters

46 One man grabs a smoke after slicing his head open Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Followers watch on as a man has his head sliced with two knives Credit: AFP or licensors

46 A Lebanese Shi'ite man smokes after he was cut on the forehead with a razor Credit: Reuters

46 Ashura commemorates Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Muslim faith's prophet Mohammed Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Lebanon's southern town Nabatieh was filled with Shia men taking part in Ashura Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Shia men and women dressed in black parade through the streets slapping their chests and chanting Credit: Reuters

46 Pakistani Shi'ite Muslims flagellate themselves during a mourning procession on the sacred month of Muharram Credit: EPA

46 This man just sliced his head open to relieve him of his sins Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar Credit: Reuters

46 Supporters of Lebanon's Shi'ite movement Hezbollah take part in a parade to mark Ashura Credit: AFP or licensors

46 A man has blood wiped from his face after his head was cut open Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Processions and services held this week mark the holiest days in the Shia calendar, Tasua and Ashura Credit: Reuters

46 Pakistani security officials escort a mourning procession on the sacred month of Muharram Credit: EPA

46 Shia Muslims believe that just as a prophet is appointed by God alone, only God has the prerogative to appoint the successor to his prophet Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Remarkable photographs show men and boys covered in blood after slashing themselves Credit: Reuters

46 Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Lebannon's militant Shi'ite movement Hezbollah Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Two men slice their heads at the same time during the ceremony Credit: Reuters

46 People attend the Universal Ashura Mourning Ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey Credit: Getty - Contributor

46 Shia men parade through the streets slapping their chests and chanting Credit: Reuters

46 Shia men cut their foreheads until blood streams from their bodies Credit: Reuters

46 A Lebanese Shia Muslim taps the head of a man with a razor to draw blood during the religious procession Credit: Reuters

46 Pilgrims cut themselves with swords as they weep and beat their chests in mourning during the annual Ashura ceremonies Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Shia men cut their heads open to wash away their sins Credit: Reuters

46 Chains are also used among knives to purge Shia men of their sins Credit: Reuters

46 Shia males of any age participate in the cutting heads ritual Credit: AFP or licensors

46 Shia men are seen parading through the streets of Iraq after cutting their heads Credit: Reuters

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Ashura falls on the tenth day of Muharram - the first month of the Islamic year - in the Muslim calendar.

Shia Muslims believe that just as a prophet is appointed by God alone, only God has the prerogative to appoint the successor to his prophet.

They believe God chose Ali to be Muhammad's successor, infallible, the first caliph (khalifa, head of state) of Islam.

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