Iran prepares to mark Muharram amid anti-virus precautions

Iranians are to set to mark the mourning month of Muharram while strictly observing the health protocols issued by government officials to prevent the new coronavirus from spreading further.

This month of the lunar calendar is of paramount importance among the devotees of Ahl al-Bayt since it features the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), grandson and the third infallible successor of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).

This year, though, given the outbreak of the virus across the world that has claimed upwards of 19,970 lives across Iran so far, the National Headquarters for Fighting Coronavirus has been trusted with devising the protocols that are expected to govern the rituals.

On July 31, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei delivered a televised address, considering the principles that are devised by the headquarters to be the “standard” that people should commit to while marking Muharram.

“This is because this is a very important issue. Because if even this level of observance and control [that is on the ground] is relaxed too, a great catastrophe will occur,” Ayatollah Khamenei noted.

The Leader also urged observance of relevant precautions concerning preparation and distribution of the votive food portions.

No mourning in unventilated closed spaces

The rituals are to begin this year on Saturday, with Nader Tavakkoli, an official with the headquarters, advising strongly against conducting any mourning ceremonies inside unventilated closed spaces.

The ceremonies have to be held in open space, with mourners standing reasonably apart from each other and wearing masks.

Tavakkoli, meanwhile, advised that mourning rituals be limited in duration as a means of reducing the risk of the virus’ spread among the attendants.

‘Iran to set an example for future’

Ali Rabi’ei, Spokesman for the Iranian Administration, also urged all to hold this year’s ceremonies in such a way that they would set an example for the future.

He noted that minding the health protocols does not take anything away from how dear Imam Hussein is to Iranians’ hearts, reminding how the nation would insist on observing the ceremonies even during Iraq’s 1980-88 imposed war on the Islamic Republic.

“We are duty-bound to protect lives in order to be able to sustain the movement of ‘Dear Hussein’ [among ourselves],” he said.

SS