Streets around the entire country are decorated with banners and flags, people set up stands around the city and give away food and drinks, chanting of elegies and chest-beating happen at night as tears run down the grief-stricken faces of mourners from all walks of life.

But what looks like a unique mourning service, has a way deeper meaning for those keeping the ritual alive.

The historical ceremonies which have become entrenched in the hearts and minds of millions of people revolve around the story of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of the prophet of Islam. An army of more than 4,000 Umayyad soldiers marched at Imam Hussein and his 72 companions in the plain of Karbala in response to their demand for justice. More than 13 centuries later, the movement of Imam Hussein has only become more and more legendary for those seeking justice and freedom in the world.

“Imam Hussein can be a role model for people of any culture and race” said Mustafa who was giving away cold drinks to mourners passing by. When asked why he was standing in the 40-degree heat just to express his respect towards Imam Hussein, he said, “This is what gives meaning to my life. I come here every year to remember what life is about…to remember that no matter what happens I must always stay true to my moral standards and carry out my duties in the best way possible”.

Many people attending the Muharram events feel the same way. They see Muharram as a lesson and a source of guidance. The sorrowful tale of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom has created a flow of life that in the minds of his mourners, will last forever. “The past events of any society carry valuable experiences and lessons that have been obtained at a high cost, some of these events can still resonate with people after centuries,” said Ali Ansari who is an Islamic scholar that’s devoted his life to understanding the history of Islam better. “Some events will always get preserved and reviewed. An event like Karbala can forever be a source of inspiration for those that do not want cave in under pressure from oppressors. Whether they defeat tyrants or die fighting them, people seeking justice will always emerge victorious”.

Hence, Imam Hussein’s movement can be seen as a lesson that will teach generations to come how to fight against tyranny and injustice. Imam Hussein won the battle against the despotic rulers of his time once his blood touched the sword of his enemies.
Muharram is also a month that unites people from different sects, religions and backgrounds. Mary who is a member of Iran’s Christian minority says she mourns during this time like her Muslim compatriots all because of Lady Zeinab, the sister of Imam Hussein. “Lady Zeinab is a perfect example of a god loving woman,” said Mary, adding, “She had as big of an impact as the men that fought on the battle field. She showed everyone at a time when women were largely disregarded that she and her fellow female peers could have deeper insight than most people”.

If you join a mourning session in any Iranian city on the day of Ashura, you can witness through your own eyes the glory of the legacy of Imam Hussein. This man has left a never-dying mark on human history, which only seems to get more noticeable as time goes by.

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The film is the story of a Christian man, Abdullah, who converts to Islam for the love of a Muslim girl, Raheleh. At the wedding, he hears voices calling for help. He leaves the ceremony and takes a journey to Karbala. But he arrives at the end of the Battle of Karbala after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions.

It is here, amidst the tragic event, that Abdullah realizes the weighty responsibility that now rests upon his shoulders to carry forward the message of Ashura.

The presence of Beizai as the script writer is widely regarded by most critics as one of the key factors behind the success of this film.

The strength and innovation of the text, along with its bold details and symbolic dialogues that resonate with today’s audience, have played a crucial role in ensuring the film’s enduring success over the years.

This film features a stellar cast including Ezzatollah Entezami, Jamshid Mashaiyekhi, Mehdi Fathi, and Mohammad Ali Keshavarz. It stands as a true masterpiece in Alireza Shojanuri’s acting career.

Laden Mostofi made her debut on the silver screen in this film, and the exceptional cast of talented actors, along with an impactful screenplay, transformed this momentous occasion into a timeless masterpiece of Iranian cinema.

The film score is also considered a major turning point in the success of the film. Maestro Majid Entezami has created an enduring masterpiece in the realm of Ashura melodies for the film. This work remains an unparalleled source of religious and ceremonial music, serving as an authentic reference for many years.

The film’s music was incredibly well-received by the audience, to the point that it was later released as a standalone album and gained significant recognition and acclaim.

The reception for this film and album was so incredible that for many years after its release, Entezami continued to perform it during his concerts and each time, the audience’s response was indescribable, creating an unforgettable experience.

Taking inspiration from the profound theme of Ashura, this film stands as one of the most unforgettable works in the history of Iranian cinema.

“The Fateful Day” is a remarkable work that explores the social aspects of the Ashura tragedy. Through its depiction of the society in which Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred, it delves into the influential factors that led to his unjust martyrdom.

Abdullah embarks on a journey throughout various locations, responding to the call for help, uncovering the profound presence of Imam Hussain (AS) in every place he visits.

During Abdullah’s journey, he becomes acquainted with the societal issues plaguing the people living under the rule of Yazid. Additionally, he witnesses firsthand the remarkable impact of Imam Hussain (AS) in resolving these problems.

In this film, Imam Hussain (AS) represents a beacon of blessings and light that brings prosperity to every household, abundance to every table, and adds profound significance and coherence to every tradition. In contrast, Yazid embodies darkness that brings devastation to every community, impoverishes every subject, and fosters superstition in all its forms.

This film is a mesmerizing journey with Abdullah, as he gracefully moves like a butterfly towards the illuminating universe of light. Through this captivating tale, we witness how the tenth day of Muharram in the year 61 AH of the Islamic calendar (680 CE) becomes a defining moment that illuminates the significance of good and evil throughout the course of human existence.

“The Fateful Day” follows Abdullah through his journey that ultimately guides him from a superficial, earthly love to a genuine love. In the film, we witness the tragic tale of a world under the rule of a tyrant like Yazid, where the noble Imam Hussein (AS) falls victim to the ruthless oppression and corruption enforced by the ruler.

To be continued

Photo: A scene from “The Fateful Day” by Shahram Asadi.

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One of the centers is the Art Garden of the Iranian Artists Forum, where director Majid Khosroabadi and his troupe Kahrobay-e Tazieh are portraying different stories from the tragedy every evening.

“Shah Cheragh (AS) Tazieh” was staged Saturday evening.

The tazieh is about the martyrdom of Hazrat Ahmad ibn Musa (AS) who, along with his brothers, including Seyyed Alaeddin Hossein (AS), embarks on a journey to visit their brother, Imam Reza (AS), in the Khorasan region.

However, Fars ruler Qotlogh Khan is assigned by Abbasid caliph Mamun the task of stopping them. They all are killed in an intense battle with the ruler’s men.

In its second performance, the group staged the martyrdom story of Hani ibn Urwa, a devoted follower of Imam Hussein (AS), who hosted Muslim ibn Aqil (AS), the messenger of the Imam to Kufa.

“Hazrat Muslim (AS) Tazieh” is set to be performed on Monday night. The tazieh portrays the journey of Muslim ibn Aqil al-Hashimi (AS) to Kufa a few days before the Ashura uprising that led to the martyrdom of the Imam and his companions in 680.

It will be followed by a performance about the story of the martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqil’s sons, Muhammad and Ibrahim on Tuesday night.

The compelling story of Hurr ibn Riahi, one of Yazid’s commanders, who joined the troops of Imam Hussein (AS) on the eve of Ashura, is another highlight of the Iranian Artists Forum’s tazieh program.

The most tragic parts of the program are dedicated to the stories about the martyrdom of the Imam and his brother Hazrat Abbas (AS).

The Seyyed ush-Shohada Tazieh Group directed by Ahmad Azizi is performing the same stories at the Rudaki Open-Air Theater.

The Iranian passion play tazieh was registered on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in November 2010.

Tazieh presents religious events, historical and mythical stories and folk tales. Each performance has four components of poetry, music, song and motion.

Photo: A file photo shows a tazieh group performing at the Rudaki Open-Air Theater in Tehran on August 17, 2021. (Honaronline)

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Launched for forty days since Tasua, the campaign is held annually to elicit people’s participation in providing the country’s need for blood.

Compared to the same period last year, Yazd province with 79 percent growth in blood donation is the top province and then Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province with 48 percent growth ranks the second, he added.

Over 2.1m Iranians donate blood per year

Blood donation in Iran has long been done voluntarily as over 2.1 million Iranians donate blood annually, Haji-Beigi said on June 14.

There are currently 178 blood donation centers in the country, with Fars, Khorasan Razavi, Khuzestan, Tehran, and Mazandaran provinces having the largest number of blood donation centers, he stated.

Highest blood donation in Eastern Mediterranean

While blood donation in 70 countries still depends on replacement or paid donors, Iran is the first country in the region that has enjoyed voluntary blood donation by 100 percent since 2007.

More than 85 percent of all donated blood worldwide is used to produce blood products, while the rate is 65 percent in Eastern Mediterranean countries. Iran ranks among the highest-income countries in terms of converting more than 97 percent of the blood donated by people to plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMP).

Only 55 of 171 countries produce PDMP through the fractionation of plasma collected in the reporting country. A total of 90 countries reported that all PDMP are imported, 16 countries reported that no PDMP was used during the reporting period, and 10 countries did not respond to the question, according to WHO.

Iran currently has the highest blood donation rate in the Eastern Mediterranean region so that out of 9.9 million blood donation units in this region, more than two million belongs to Iran.

Also, the index of blood donation is 25 per 1,000 populations, while in the member states of the Eastern Mediterranean region, this number is 14.9 per 1000.

The post Over 26,000 Iranians donate blood on Tasua, Ashura appeared first on Iran News Daily.

Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah who is known as Mr. Resistance on Sunday and in his speech on the occasion of Ashura made some remarks which are very strategic in its kind and at the same time have half an eye on the past, present and the future of Lebanon.

IRAN NEWS POLITICAL DESK

Experts evaluate this speech politically and militarily as a process of an everlasting school in the culture of administering Lebanon. He started his Ashura speech by reminding the 33-day war with Israel, a war which not only changed seriously the fate of Lebanon in all political, military and strategic equations in the West Asia, but also caused regret that 80 million Iranian people have not known it as they should have known and have been remained unaware of the great impacts of the result of war in the regional developments because of filthy and mercenary-like performance of media, although one of the reasons for peace, security and stability in their lives in the past 13 years has been the significant and unbelievable effect of this war.

One should say Zionist and Quds occupier regime had come to put an end to the existence of Hizbullah forever. Ending it both militarily, and politically, through blaming Hizbullah as the main reason for attack and destroying Lebanon, and making people stand against Hizbullah.

But Hizbullah’s decisive victory was so that in the past thirteen years no bullet has been fired at Lebanon. In those years, the U.S. had occupied Iraq and Iran was in the heat of its nuclear crisis and destruction of Hizbullah was a prelude to the joint attack of the U.S. and its close allies, led by Quds occupier regime, at Iran. But God Almighty did not let it happen and it was only after Israelis’ humiliating defeat that they forgot thinking of any military attack at Iran.

On Ashura, Nasrallah by reminding the 33-day war emphasized that he was not man of bluff and psychological war. He held a map of the occupied lands in front of the TV cameras and delved into details that in case the smallest aggression against Lebanon and Iran happens, how Hizbullah forces will destroy any part of the occupied lands and how harsh the attack would be. He elaborated it with no exaggeration or slogan and just by mentioning the military progress of Hizbollah forces and tabling objective and apparent facts and figures to back his words. And with his explanations sentence by sentence and word by word, he painted the picture of annihilation of enemy. He also reminded the rulers of the UAE, who have made explicit their enmities against Iran, that in case of any blow from the U.S. against Iran, they will ravage all emirates of the country to the ground.

By his analysis, he showed the Saudis how they would be destroyed and he reminded all states in the region how any aggression against Iran will cost them dear. He continued his fiery speech to prove this point that the U.S. will not dare to wage a war against Iran.

Experts believe that the thought of Sayyad and Mr. Resistance and any sentence of him is expressed like a precision-guidance missile which is fired at enemies with full calculation and study and it sows the seed of fear and panic in the hears of the public opinions of hegemonic currents and Western, Saudi and Emirati rulers. This is a thought that takes attacking approach and stand in order to prevent enemies not even think of any dream of attack at Iran and Lebanon because they know that the real peace is only restored when we obtain real power and enemies cannot sleep the nights well because of their concerns and nightmare of this God-oriented power.

But it is a pity that while Sayyad Hassan alone with his brave speech had entered the political, psychological media war scene to thwart some part of West, Saudi and Arab-Hebrew psychological war against Iranians, unfortunately our national broadcasting IRIB with over tens of TV channels and its big media bodies and tens of several dedicated budgets did not reflect the voice of this Sayyad of Resistance who is, in true sense of the word, defender of goals of the Islamic Revolution in the world. It was expected his speech to be translated into different languages like Arabic, English, Persian and even Hebrew, or even video clips of his speech to be prepared and re-casted in order that his detailed analyses and data could make the determination of pro-resistance enthusiasts in the world stronger, and hearts of enemies be filled with concerns and panic and their queues be disarrayed. But we stood in a corner watching it with open mouth and passively. Passivity has taken us to the court of enemies and perhaps penetration of individuals and vicious thoughts have targeted the heart of our media outlets.

If I say outspokenly that his speech was of the type of Martyr Lieutenant Qassem Soleimani’s, I have not boasted or exaggerated. This speech filled hours of programs of most-watched and popular media of enemies, and several analyses have been added on its influential dimensions. Viva Mr. Resistance who put on display a curtain of genuine Islam’s power.

 By: Hamid Reza Naghashian

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Coronavirus pandemic has forced some smaller size mourning gatherings, used to be held in the past in the roofed places to commemorate the martyrdom of the third Imam of Shiites, Imam Hussein (A), in the first decade of month of Muharram, to be held in a bigger size and in the 20,000-man gathering, and it definitely compensated the shortages resulted by Coronavirus management protocols adopted for holding the Imam Hussein (A)’s mourning ceremonies.

IRAN NEWS POLITICAL DESK

In the narratives have been mentioned that is a passion embedded in the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (A) so that it never dies away. This year some people with secular intentions were seeking to restrict mourning ceremonies and gatherings for commemoration of Imam Hussein (A)’s martyrdom anniversary but they got disappointed by seeing such huge mourning gatherings and one can consider this disappointment of the opposition current regarding honoring Imam Hussein (A)’s martyrdom as some part of the passion lying in his martyrdom.

Since Karbala event and Asura to date, 1362 years have passed and during these years light and passion of martyrdom of Imam Hussein (A) has been glittering in the history. According to the historical calculation and according to the late DR. Ahmad Birshak’s calculation in the “Iranian Chronology”, Karbala event has happened on the 21^st of month of Mehr 21 of Solar Hijri calendar year 59.

It is crystal clear for the experts that solar hijri year is not like lunar year that its days change because the Earth’s position regarding to the Sun is fixed and one can mention the prayer times of Karbala and convert them into the solar year all narratives and opinions of historians on this event with their exact hours and minutes.

In every second, minute and hour of Ashura event, some incidents have happened that several analytical, glorifying and honoring books can be written and compiled on them. The Supreme Leader considers Imam Hussein (A)’s action an exceptional one. In his remarks some 19 years ago on the Imam Hussein (A)’s move, the Leader said, “We do not understand what patience is. Patience finds it meaning in its own place. Many people from elites, dignities, wise men, compassionates and half-compassionates approached Imam Hussein (A), and told him what he was doing was a mere mistake and useless and his action would harm him and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s Household and belittle the believers. Since the moment Imam Hussein (A) decided to set out his journey from Mecca to Kufa, people found out that these hurdles and immoralities against Imam had begun till Ashura. To be patient regarding these eventsand misbehaviors is very difficult. That time, I in my remarks pointed to this issue and told that the late Imam Khomeini (R) was patient and his patience was of Imam Hussein (A)’s type.”

Likening Imam Hussein (A)’s patience to Imam Khomeini’s in creating the Ashura culture and school in 1979, in other words, approximately 1300 years after Ashura Movement and School, is actually explanation, teaching and materialization of concepts of the school, as Imam Hussein (A) wished, which has helped the Islamic Republic to survive safely from all enmities from the East to the West through bloods and martyrdoms in the past 42 years.

Martyr Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani is the product of the very school and trained by such an academy. Through the history many currents had decided to turn Karbala and Ashura event into a just historical memory but history shows that they have failed and it is because of the literature of the uprising that innocence and innocence-orientation is the major base in all dimensions of it.

So this school is not a memory because memory loses its significance through the history and upheavals but not only have Muharram, Karbala and Ashura not ebbed but also they have survived and continued.

This is the very school that gives life and turns the ground for haplessness and incapability into a sustainable resistance against hegemony and it is going to materialize the ground for its continuation and deployment of making the world “Husseini” and to establish the universal government of his brave child Hazrat Mahdi (A) with the name of Hussein (A).

 By: Hamid Reza Naghashian

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The opera is about the battle of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions against the Umayyad dynasty during Ashura, the tenth day of the month of Muharram on the Islamic calendar.

The Ashura opera puppet show is a blend of music, puppetry, poetry and tazieh (Iranian passion play).

Three performances have been arranged for the play from October 3 to 5.

The puppet opera will be staged with music by Iranian composer Behzad Abdi, which will be performed live by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Vladimir Sirenko is the conductor of the orchestra.

The Ashura puppet show premiered in Tehran in 2008. It has been staged in France, Italy, Poland and several other countries.

Different vocalists such as Mohammad Motamedi, Mehdi Emami and Reza Sadeqi will collaborate in this project.

The Ferdowsi Hall is located on Shahriar St., off Hafez Ave, across from Vahdat Hall.

The post Aran Theater Troupe to restage Ashura opera puppet show in Tehran appeared first on Iran News Daily.

The performances will take place in Tehran and several other cities, the Center for Dramatic Arts announced in a press release on Sunday.

A series of tazieh performances about the tragedy of Ashura, the day upon which Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions were martyred at the Battle of Karbala, will begin in the courtyard of Tehran’s City Theater Complex on Tuesday evening and will be running for 10 nights.

“Look at the Sky” by Shahab Raheleh and “A Red Rose” by Hossein Aalambakhsh are the two plays to be staged at the complex during the lunar months of Muharram and Safar.

Veteran director Alaeddin Qasemi is also scheduled to stage a series of tazieh performances in the courtyard of the City Theater Complex for six nights beginning on November 3.

Tazieh is an Iranian passion play that recounts religious events, historical and mythical stories, and folktales. Each performance has the four components of poetry, music, song and motion. Performers are always male, and female roles are played by men.

Tazieh was registered on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in November 2010.

The post Plays to narrate tragedy of Ashura in Iranian cities appeared first on Iran News Daily.

Ashura is the tenth day of the lunar month of Muharram, upon which Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions were martyred.

The exhibit will showcase the collection that is composed of 120 artworks from November 3 to 30.

All the works have been illuminated by Ramin Merati, Mohsen Aqamiri and Dariush Jalilian.

Panel discussions are scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the exhibition.

The museum is located at 35 Esfandiar Blvd., off Vali-e Asr Ave.

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