For Shi’ite pilgrims in Iraq’s deserts, suffering strengthens faith

KARBALA, Iraq (Reuters) -Majid al-Kareem is poorly equipped for his 500 km pilgrimage by foot through the scorching deserts of southern Iraq. He wears sandals and black clothes that absorb the heat, and carries a wooden broom handle for a walking stick.

But suffering is the point.

His journey mourns and glorifies the Muslim Prophet Mohammad’s grandson Hussein, slain in battle nearly 1,400 years ago at the end of this very route.

Kareem begins at the furthest possible starting point, at Ras…