Experience Muharram in Iran
As an Islamic country, Muharram is considered one of the most sacred months in Iran and among other Muslims around the world.
Many different religious ceremonies take place during this month, especially during the first ten days of this month. Undoubtedly, the religious ceremonies taking place in Iran at Muharram are considered incredibly different and healthy compared to other Islamic countries.
The annual rituals begin on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, and reach their peak on the tenth day, known as Ashura.
Ashura marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and 72 of his faithful companions, martyred in the Battle of Karbala against the second Umayyad caliph, Yazid I, in 680 AD.
In Iran, Muslims commemorate the tragic event by organizing religious ceremonies, as well as music and theater performances.
One of the ancient traditions observed by the Iranians during Muharram plays in Ta'zieh or in the game of Persian passion, which is the re-enactment of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein's family.
As a national and religious dramatic musical performance, Ta'zieh tells of religious events, historical and mythical stories and folk tales through poetry, recitation, music, song and movement.
They also organize mourning ceremonies in the mosques and distribute votive food amongst people, especially those who are impoverished.
On Ashura, grieving people go to the streets and organize large-scale mourning processions across the country.
Millions of Shi'ites from Iran and other countries also flock to the Iraqi city of Karbala, home to the sacred shrines of Imam Hussein, his children and his brother Hazrat Abbas (AS).
Muharram's annual ceremonies symbolize the eternal and unwavering position of truth against the falsehood and struggle of mankind against injustice, tyranny and oppression, the cause for which Imam Hussein was martyred.
