Iran launches intl. poetry award on Imam Hussein (AS)

TEHRAN – The Iran Cultural Center in Pretoria and the Islamic Center of Johannesburg have jointly launched an international poetry award to honor two poems composed in Persian and English on Imam Hussein and his uprising.

Wooden pulpit of Ilkhanid mosque being restored

TEHRAN - A restoration project has been commenced on a minbar (pulpit) of a mosque in Semnan province, which dates back to the Ilkhanid era (1256–1353).

By  Seyed Hossein Hosseiniseddiq

Muharram mourning rituals: Nakhlgardani in Shahroud

Nakhlgardani or palm-carrying ritual is the carrying of a huge wooden coffin and is a symbol of Muharram mourning in Iran. In the first decade of this month, the coffin, while covered with black and green cloth, is carried by numerous mourners due to its heavyweight. This structure is kept in Husseiniyehs (religious places) and mosques for the rest of the year.

U.S. philosopher talks of Hussein's uprising, today's Yazid

TEHRAN– Prof. Taliaferro believes that today the successors of the reign of Yazid are the people and institutions that seek to preserve the status quo of white privilege in America and Europe.

Imam Hussein (AS)’s sacrifice nurtured resistance to tyranny: Zarif

TEHRAN — Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), saying his great sacrifice has ingrained resistance to tyranny and injustice in hearts and souls of his followers.

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. 

(Part 8/8) 

A glimpse of Muharram mourning rituals across Iran: Sham-e Ghariban

The night of Ashura in Iran is called Shaam-e Ghariban, meaning “the night of strangers” and those who are far from home and help. People light candles in holy places and gatherings in every corner of the country.

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.

By Seyed Hossein Hosseiniseddiq

Candle and Lamp Ceremony in Shahroud Tekiyehs during Muharram

Tekiyehs (prayer halls) of Bazaar, Golshan, Qaleh, Shariat, and especially Tekiyeh of Bid Abad, which is one of the old Tekiyehs of Shahroud, hold this traditional ceremony with special ceremonies. In this ritual, which begins minutes after sunset, the servants of these Tekiyehs, known as "watchmen", stand in a row in front of the Saqqakhaneh (A small indent in the wall overlooking some passages where water was poured for people to drink and had a kind of religious sanctity), which is called the lampstand. It is also common to play the trumpet to inform local servants during candle and lamp ceremonies. The custodian of the mosque and the elders also stand in front of the lighthouse, and the servants, who are on duty, line up in front of them.

By Faranak Bakhtiari

‘The vow of health’ highlights Iranian-Islamic values

TEHRAN – The vow of health in the age of coronavirus is a rational, innovative, and cultural activity that highlights the Iranian-Islamic values toward improving the health and well-being of vulnerable groups in the society amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Muharram rituals being held under health protocols

People across the country hold mourning rituals during the month of Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his loyal companions. The rituals are held observing healthcare protocols and social distancing rules due to the coronavirus pandemic.

(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. 

Joe Biden hails Muharram amid doubts over his sincerity

TEHRAN - Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden implicitly praised the martyrdom of Imam Hossein (AS) in what appears to be a bid to win the hearts of Muslim voters despite the fact that he, during his tenure as Barak Obama’s vice president, imposed sweeping economic sanctions on a country that is widely known for its love of the Imam.

(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.

Rey to host online meeting on tazieh

TEHRAN- The ancient city of Rey will be hosting a virtual meeting on tazieh, Iranian passion play, on the occasion of the lunar month of Muharram (starting Friday) in which Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS).

(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.

Arbaeen hospitality gains UNESCO heritage status

TEHRAN – The generous hospitality of Iraqi people during the Arbaeen pilgrimage has been added to UNESCO’s prestigious heritage list.

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran at the height of travel season

TEHRAN – Perhaps it is tough to define a best time for visiting Iran, which is known as a four-season country, I mean spring, summer, fall and winter; each having its own charms and travel lovers.

IKIA operates 979 flights during Arbaeen season

TEHRAN – Imam Khomeini International Airport has operated 979 flights between Iran and Iraq since the beginning of the Arbaeen season on October 9.

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.

‘Pilgrims who lost Arbaeen’ march in Tehran

People who lost the Arbaeen pilgrimage toward Karbala marched on Saturday a long distance from Tehran’s Imam Hussein Sq. to the holy shrine of Shah Abdol Azim in Rey to commemorate the occasion.