Karbala Declares Public Holiday for Martyrdom of Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra amid Calls for Preserving Her Legacy

Karbala Declares Public Holiday for Martyrdom of Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra amid Calls for Preserving Her Legacy
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Authorities in Karbala have announced that next Tuesday, November 25, will be an official public holiday in commemoration of the martyrdom anniversary of Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her). According to the Shia Waves Agency, the decision applies to all government departments in the province, with the exception of security and essential service institutions, which will continue operating to support public needs and manage the movement of pilgrims.

The announcement coincides with remarks delivered by Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Hussein Wahid Khorasani on the occasion of the same anniversary. The senior cleric stressed that keeping alive the memory of Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra’s martyrdom is “the greatest service that can be offered today.” He emphasized that this remembrance encompasses two foundational principles of Islamic belief: tawallā (loyalty to the righteous) and tabarrā (disassociation from injustice).

Citing a narration from Imam Ali (peace be upon him) regarding the nighttime burial of Sayyida Fatimah (peace be upon her), Grand Ayatollah Wahid Khorasani noted that she was displeased with certain members of her community and did not wish for them to attend her funeral. He said this raises two critical questions that require deeper understanding: “Why was Lady Fatimah al-Zahra angered? And why did she refuse the presence of that group at her burial?”

His Eminence added that the lack of widespread awareness of these issues underscores the need for stronger efforts to clarify religious teachings and uphold the values of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).