The true aim of the Master of Martyrs (as)

The society at the time of Imam Hussein (as) was in such as state that, the holy Imam (as) was forced to take a strong stand and endure great tragedies to save the TRUE Islam. The ceremonies and other acts of mourning we carry out and hold are not only to achieve merits but rather to remember the message of pure Islam and keep it alive.

Foreigners present at Imam’s shrine

Pakistani mourners present at Imam Khomeini’s Shrine

A group of Pakistani men and women carried out their own mourning ceremonies on the day of Ashura at the Imam’s shrine.

Muharram pictures

Only pictures of head slashing are shown in Europe

After taking photographs of the Muharram ceremonies held in Iran, two Polish photographers talked of the new way they viewed the Shia and Iran. They stated that they saw Iran as a family, whose most loved member was Imam Hussein (as).

Muharram ceremonies

The Ashura and Tasu’a ceremonies at Imam Khomeini’s Shrine and Husseiniah Jamaran

Imam Khomeini’s shrine and Husseiniah Jamaran opened its doors to welcome those who love and admire Imam Hussein (as) and to mourn the loss of Imam Hussein (as).

The Imam Khomeini mosque

‘The Imam Khomeini mosque’ in South Turkmenistan

The Imam Khomeini mosque was built fourteen years ago in south Turkmenistan. It was a present offered by the Islamic Republic of Iran and was a symbol of friendship between the two countries. Today, this mosque has become a center of gatherings and ceremonies for the people living close to the area the mosque is situated in.

The message of Ashura

Imam Khomeini and Ashura

The leader of the Islamic revolution referred to the life of Imam Hussein (as) and his political aims in many speeches. It was Imam Hussein’s (as) uprising that was an inspiration for the Islamic revolution. He explained the philosophy behind Imam Hussein’s (as) rise against oppression and the mourning ceremonies that are held for him.

The importance of Muharram in the words and sayings of Imam Khomeini

The Message of Muharram is portrayed in the following selection of texts chosen from the great leader of the revolution’s statements and words regarding the importance of the ceremonies held mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (as). With the appearance of the new moon, Muharram, the month of heroism, bravery, and sacrifice has commenced. It is a month wherein the blood conquered the sword; it is a month in which the power of truth defeated the wrong forever and stamped the forehead of tyrants and the satanic governments and their stigma.‬

Muharram

Muharram and Ashura

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (as), the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (saw) and the third Imam and leader of the Shi'a. Imam Hussein's (as) martyrdom is a sad day for all Muslims especially the Shi'a, who mourn the massacre of their "Master of Martyrs" and his family in Karbala in 61AH/680CE.