Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Remarks on Shia Standard for Mourning During First Ten Days of Muharram

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Remarks on Shia Standard for Mourning During First Ten Days of Muharram
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The daily scholarly session of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi was held on Monday, the 13th of Muharram 1448 AH.

As in previous sessions, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi answered questions from attendees on various jurisprudential issues.

Regarding the Shia standard for commemorating the first ten days of Muharram, he said that the main criterion for holding mourning during these days is the conduct of Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kadhim, peace be upon him. He cited a narration from Imam al-Ridha, peace be upon him, stating that when the month of Muharram began, grief would overcome his noble father, and no one would see him smiling. This state of sorrow continued until the day of Ashura, the day of the great tragedy of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi also addressed the jurisprudential and customary basis for holding mourning gatherings and offering food during the first ten days of Muharram. He said that although there are no explicit narrations specifically ordering mourning gatherings throughout the entire first ten days of Muharram or public food distribution during this period, custom honors these days leading to the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, through mourning gatherings and votive offerings. Therefore, such acts are clear examples of honoring the symbols of Allah.

He emphasized the importance of honoring the days leading up to Ashura, stating that every customary effort made to commemorate and keep alive the name and memory of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, during these days is considered part of the Husseini rituals, as it serves to honor Ashura itself.