Official: Security Conditions Ideal in Iranian Capital during Mourning Rituals
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Tehran province witnessed no anti-security action in 10 days of mourning rituals, during which Shiite Muslims commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hossein (PBUH), the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and their third imam.
“People in the province could hold their mourning rituals on Tasua and Ashura in an atmosphere of full security, and we had no report of anti-security measures during these ten days," Deputy Tehran Governor General for Security and Law Enforcement Affairs Safarali Baratlou told the Tasnim News Agency.
"This year's Muharram's mourning seremonies were held with massive participation of people and came to a close without any security incident thanks to the efforts of the security and law enforcement forces and close cooperation of people," he added.
Shiite Muslims in Iran and many other countries hold mourning ceremonies for ten days to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hossein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, and his fighting for justice, some 14 centuries ago.
The mourning rituals start with the Islamic lunar calendar month of Muharram and reach their climax on the 9th day (Tasua) and 10th day (Ashura), on which the third Shiite Imam, along with 72 of his companions, was martyred in a battle against the second Umayyad caliph, Yazid ibn Muawiyah, in the Iraqi region of Karbala, in 680 AD.
Iranian mourners usually gather in main streets and mosques to commemorate the tragic event.
People across the country traditionally cook food for charity (called Nazri) and distribute the food among their neighbors, family and poor people. Free food is also offered to people who are participating in the mourning ceremonies.
Thousands of Iranians also travel to Iraq on the occasion to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hossein (PBUH) near his holy shrine and burial site.
