Iranians mourn on Ashura Day while observing health protocols

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The mourning ceremonies were held across Iran on Thursday to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the third Shia Imam.

Ashura ceremonies were held while observing health protocols at the same time that the country is facing a surge in the COVID-19 deaths.

This is the second year that Ashura ceremony is held amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Iranian Shia people mourned today for the martyrdom of their third Imam, while wearing masks and observing the social distancing protocols so as to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

Shia Muslims mourn the first 10 days of Muharram month. The peak day of their mourning ceremonies is the 10th day known as Ashura when Imam Hussain (AS) and his followers were martyred.

Ashura is a major holiday for the Iranian Shia community who has always commemorated the day throughout the history.

Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli on August 9 called on the health and executive officials of the country to cooperate with each other so as to observe health protocols during the rituals of the mourning month of Muharram.

Rahmani Fazli made the remarks after a meeting with governors of different provinces of the country on the eve of the month of Muharram.

We are both concerned about the health protocols and the significance and respect for Muharram rituals, the minister said.

He however noted that it is finally the people that need to help the government as always.  

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