Muharram in Iran, a Unique Experience in Your Life

Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, considered a holy month, second only to Ramadan in its significance, but most important religious holiday in Iran. For those Muslims who follow the Shia branch of Islam, this month represents a solemn, reflective day and from a theological approach, the religious rituals are a recreation of collective memories that serve to define what is known as Shia communal identity, an essential foundation for sense of belonging.

A grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Hussein and his army of few followers battled with the large military detachment from the forces of Yazid I, the second Umayyad caliph, whom Imam Hussein had refused to recognize as caliph. The Imam was beheaded and his family members and supporters accompanying him were killed or subjected to humiliation. Due to the brutality of the battle and the murder of the Prophet’s grandson during a month when fighting is forbidden, Shia muslims mourn during Muharram and observe a set of commemoration rituals, although Sunnis do so to a much lesser extent. The commemoration of the battle of Karbala (AD 680/AH 61), on the focal day of Ashura (literally meaning 10th as the battle took place on the 10th day of the month) is annually honored by Iranians to mark the bravery of Imam Hussein (AS) along with his 72 loyal companions who were all martyred.

Storytelling, self-flagellation, weeping, and re-enactments of the Battle of Karbala form the crux of the observances. The mourning ceremony rich with symbolism have historical values and are a platform where communal beliefs and ideals about life and death are acknowledged and as people unite in grief and hope for consolation, they search for new meanings of life and re-evaluate and confirm the foundation of their beliefs.

Commemoration of Ashura is also a tribute to truth and justice and condemnation of tyranny anytime and anywhere. This is perhaps one of the many reasons why a day like Ashura can never be overlooked as these rituals encompass universal values that will never wear out.

Muharram in Iran 

Along with mosques, many of the events associated with the ritual take place in congregation halls known as Hussainia, and each neighborhood sets up its own establishment for the ceremonial processions of the month known as ‘Tekkiyeh’, which was historically a staying place for visiting pilgrims and dervishes. Today Tekkiyehs are specific locations for mourners who participate in religious gathering after which they head out on the streets in groups to parade a dramatic mourning through a specific route and people follow and move with the cluster of mourners as they chant mourning songs. As the especial music is played people weep to the hymns and men in black flagellate their backs rhythmically with two pairs of chains or beat their chests with open palms. Women may watch the processions and follow the parade; however, they are not expected to practice flagellation.

Muharram and the following month, Safar (which contains Arbaeen, meaning fortieth, commemoration of the aftermath of Karbala as well as the death anniversary of the prophet Muhammad) are a period lamentation for Muslims. War and fighting are prohibited during these two months and festivities like weddings and birthdays are usually postponed to more appropriate days. People generally wear black out of respect or at least avoid wearing very bright colors.

Visiting Iran during the first ten days of the lunar month of Muharram would be a unique experience to witness one of the most important and significant events of Shia Muslims. Every year, spiritual tourism hosts people from around the world. Travelers are welcomed in places where locals gather to hold Muharram rituals. They can see various religious ceremonies such as Tazieh, a passion play inspired by historical and religious narrations, and Sineh-Zani (beating the chest). They would converse with locals and religious figures while taking shots of mourners to document the events. Generally there is no special limitation on this event. Although it’s best to avoid wearing bright reds and pinks, especially during the day of Ashura.

All governmental offices, educational centers, sporting arenas and bazaars are closed. Most of the attractions like museums will also be closed during Tasu’a and Ashura. You need to check if the place you want to visit is open. Streets can be closed for hours due to the crowd holding religious ceremonies.