By Yuram Abdullah Weiler

The reality of Ashura versus the reality show of America

“Every day is Ashura and every land is Karbala.” —Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS)1

Travelogues: tapping into the past hearing Muharram rituals from Europeans visiting Persia

TEHRAN – Travelogues, inscribed by European travelers to Persia (Iran) over the past centuries, is a good source to hear about Muharram mourning ceremonies from the point of view of Westerners, experts say. 

By Samaneh Aboutalebi

Tekyehs echo Muharram mourning through history

Tekyehs, venues for the gathering of mourners who honor the way Imam Hussein (AS) chose to live and to die, have been blood floating in the Iranian mourning culture veins, refreshed year after year, century after century, since Iranians have mourned the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his 72 loyal companions for centuries.

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A glimpse of Muharram mourning rituals across Iran: Gelmali

Another ritual that is on Iran’s national heritage list is Gelmali. The ritual is held every year in Lorestan province on the day of Ashura.

(Part 6/8) 

A glimpse of Muharram mourning rituals across Iran: Tazieh

Tazieh, Iranian passion play on religious events especially on the day of Ashura, is another ritual which is held in Isfahan province during Muharram mourning and is registered on Iran’s national heritage list. Tazieh is held in several cities in Iran. However, in Isfahan province, it is one of the traditions of Muharram.

(Part 5/8)  

A glimpse of Muharram mourning rituals across Iran: Oblation of lambs

One of the other rituals during Muharram is oblation of lambs at Great Hussainiya of Zanjan, which is a famed ritual countrywide when it comes to Muharram mourning ceremonies in Iran. 

Eulogist observes symbolic social distancing in Muharram mourning

TEHRAN - Iranian eulogist Mahmoud Karimi, known for his enthusiastic eulogies for Shia Imams (AS) and their households, conducted a mourning ceremony in a working-class neighborhood in downtown Tehran on August 20, 2020.

(Part 3/8) 

A glimpse of Muharram mourning rituals across Iran: Bil Zani

One of the other Muharram rituals in South Khorasan province is Bil Zani. This is one of the ancient traditions that are on Iran’s national heritage list. Birjand and Khusf cities are the main centers for the ritual.

(Part 2/8); Tasht Gozari in Ardabil

Muharram mourning: A glimpse of indigenous rituals across Iran

One of the most famous rituals in Ardabil is Tasht Gozari during the mourning season of Muharram. People of Ardabil, who are Azeri, love Imam Hussein (AS) and his young brother Hazrat Abulfazl Abbas (AS). Before Muharram, people in Ardabil begin Tasht Gozari ritual, which is dated back to several years ago. People in other cities near Ardabil also hold Tasht Gozari ritual.

(Part 1/8)

Muharram mourning: A glimpse of indigenous rituals across Iran

TEHRAN - Every year, people in different parts of Iran hold rituals to commemorate Muharram mourning season gloriously in public. The commemoration of the battle of Karbala on the day of Ashura (10th day of Muharram) and the epic passion and courage of Imam Hussein (AS) and his 72 loyal companions who were all martyred (in 680 CE) is annually honored by Iranians.

Muharram rituals in Yazd to be held differently due to coronavirus pandemic

TEHRAN – While Iran is still fighting the coronavirus outbreak, this year’s Muharram mourning rituals would be different from previous years.

Teahouse painter Habib Naqqash dies at 88

TEHRAN – A pioneer of teahouse painting Habib Naqqash died of natural causes on Friday morning at the age of 88. 

Cultural figures with top works on Ashura tragedy honored

TEHRAN – The National Library and Archives of Iran (NLAI) honored a selection of 40 cultural figures who have created outstanding works about the tragedy of Ashura over the past century during the program “Forty Days of Love” on Monday.

By Muhammad Bin Ibrahim

As We Mark 40 Days From Ashura

NIGERIA/KADUNA- On the 10th of October, year 680 AD (which coincides with 10th of Muharram, year 61 AH), in the field of Karbala (today's Iraq), around the banks of Euphrates, the Grandson of Islam's Prophet, Husain, was killed together with his sons, brothers and companions. Before the killing they were denied even water for days. A child of his, Ali al-Asghar, an infant of about six month old was crying profusely because the breast of its mother could not produce the milk due to hunger and thirst. Husain took the child, moved closer to the side of the killers, raised him up saying: "O People! If you show no mercy to me; have mercy on this thirsty child!" At that moment, someone from the Kufan army shot an arrow at the infant as a response to his request. The infant died immediately.

By Afshin Majlesi

Despite media bias, Western people have right to authentic information on Arbaeen

Mass media outlets, including news agencies, radio, television, the Internet and mobile platforms, have undoubtedly become the primary source of information for the majority of, if not all, individuals in modern societies.

Arbaeen march reaching its height 

The march toward Karbala to mark the Arbaeen ritual is reaching its climax. Arbaeen comes 40 days after Ashura. Millions of people, especially from Iraq and Iran, defy all difficulties to walk tens of kilometers to reach Karbala, where the shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located. Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (S), was martyred in the battle of Karbala against the forces of the Caliph in 680 AD.

Iranian literati to attend Arbaeen gathering

TEHRAN – A group of 80 Iranian writers and poets will be attending the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq. 

National library to honor 40 artists with artworks on Ashura

TEHRAN – The National Library and Archives of Iran plans to honor 40 Iranian artists who have created outstanding works about the tragedy of Ashura over the past century.

Army using drones to secure Iran-Iraq borders for Arbaeen: Sayyari

TEHRAN – Habibollah Sayyari, the deputy army chief for coordination affairs, says the army has employed military drones at the Iraq borders to ensure the security of Iranian pilgrims visiting Iraq for the Arbaeen march.

Painting depicting Ashura tragedy unveiled at Tehran children’s center  

TEHRAN – An illustration portraying a story about Imam Hussein (AS) and his six-month-old baby boy, Ali Asghar (AS) who was the youngest person martyred on Ashura, was unveiled during a special ceremony in Tehran on Saturday.

By Manijeh Rezapoor

Official stresses media’s key role in promoting Ashura’s message during Arbaeen

TEHRAN – Deputy Culture Minister for Press Affairs Mohammad Khodadi has stressed the importance of the media’s role in promoting the message of Ashura during the Arbaeen gathering.

Tehran museum to host meeting on Muharram rituals

TEHRAN - The Glass and Ceramic Museum of Tehran will this evening host a meeting to discuss Muharram rituals which were held during Qajar era (1789–1925) at Tekyeh Dowlat, a royal theater in downtown Tehran.

Iran and its enormous potential for religious tourism

TEHRAN – Iran is growing into a major destination for religious tourism despite U.S. sanctions on its economy, some experts say. 

Muharram rituals capture attention of foreigners

TEHRAN – Iran turns to a major tourism hub during the mourning month of Muharram. Every year thousands of foreigners flock to the country to see with their naked eyes and record with cameras the Iranian fervor during Muharram that reaches its climax on its 10th day, also known as Ashura.