Iraq’s Mandaean Community Cancels New Year Celebrations in Honor of Ashura

Iraq’s Mandaean Community Cancels New Year Celebrations in Honor of Ashura
——————————–
Sheikh Sattar Jabbar Helo, the leader of the Mandaean community in Iraq and worldwide, announced on Monday the cancellation of New Year festivities out of respect for the Islamic month of Muharram, Shafaq News reported.

In a statement, Sheikh Helo extended his condolences to the people of Iraq and the wider Islamic world on the occasion of Ashura, which marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein bin Ali (peace be upon them both), the grandson of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure family).

He praised Imam Hussein’s legacy as one rooted in justice, bravery, and humility, describing it as “a reformist path that calls upon all of us.”

The Mandaean New Year was set to be celebrated on July 16. However, Sheikh Helo explained that due to the religious importance of Ashura, and as a sign of solidarity and respect, all public celebrations have been canceled. The community will instead focus on religious rituals and prayers during this period.

Mandaeism is an ancient Middle Eastern religion still practiced in Iraq and Khuzistan (southwest Iran). Followers, known as Mandaeans, consider John the Baptist as their most important prophet, with Adam as the founder. They are an ethnoreligious group.