No contradiction between health, Muharram mourning

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Creating a dichotomy between mourning and health is wrong and Muharram mourning ceremony will be held in the courtyards of the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) with strict and complete observance of health protocols.

Announcing the above in a meeting of the AQR Council of Deputies, Hoj. Ahmad Marvi, the chief custodian of Astan Quds Razavi referring to the upcoming month of Muharram and Safar and stated that some inside and outside the country seek to create a disparity between mourning and health, which is absolutely wrong.

He praised the President’s position on holding mourning ceremonies in accordance with health protocols, adding, “What we can infer from the orders and measures of the Revolution’s Leader is that mourning for the Imams should not be stopped, but we should try to create a mourning atmosphere in the country with certain initiatives and innovations while fully observing the health instructions.”

He pointed out that Imam Hussein’s (AS) mourning has not been shut down for centuries while experiencing many ups and downs.

“Even during Reza Shah’s regime when the government pressed stopping Muharram mourning, people continued holding such ceremonies. Mourning should not be stopped now either, yet it should be performed according to the health and hygiene requirements,” he said.

As there is no incongruence between business, economy and social activity fully operating and observance of health protocols, there is no disparity between holding mourning ceremonies and observing health instructions. However, with initiative, creativity, and innovation, certain methods must be used to ensure that health issues in mourning are duly implemented, he observed.

Referring to the performance of special anthem groups for the holy month of Ramadan in the neighborhoods throughout the country, he stated that now such groups can incite the Muharram atmosphere in the streets and neighborhoods of the city.

Regarding the performance of vows and distribution of charity food during Muharram, Hoj. Marvi commented that instead of cooking hot food, the aids should be in the form of cash, dry food or health packages for respectable families who have suffered from poverty and economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. “This way, Imam Hussein (AS) will be certainly more satisfied if the vows are done in a different way; however, good deeds should not be stopped.”

Regarding the Muharram mourning ceremony in the holy shrine, he remarked: “God willing, mourning rituals will be held in the holy shrine while observing health protocols, proper hygiene practices and social distancing.”

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