Mandaeans in Iraq and Iran Cancel New Year Celebrations in Respect for Muharram and Safar

Mandaeans in Iraq and Iran Cancel New Year Celebrations in Respect for Muharram and Safar
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The Mandaean community in Iraq and Iran has canceled traditional New Year celebrations to show respect for the Islamic months of Muharram and Safar, particularly the mourning period commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) leading up to Arbaeen.

Community members said the decision reflects their commitment to respecting the religious sentiments of their Muslim neighbors and maintaining interfaith harmony. This practice has been observed by many Mandaeans in recent years as a gesture of mutual respect between religious communities.

Mandaeans marked the beginning of their New Year on Friday with the sacred Dehwa Rabba festival, a religious occasion associated with creation and the beginning of human existence according to Mandaean tradition. This year, however, celebrations were limited to religious prayers and rituals without public festivities.

The Mandaeans are an ancient monotheistic religious community whose beliefs emphasize the oneness of God, the importance of flowing water, and the teachings of Prophet John the Baptist (peace be upon him).

According to the Interfaith Dialogue Institute, a significant number of Mandaeans in Iran live in the southern regions of the country, particularly near the Karun River, where the community continues to preserve its religious traditions while emphasizing peaceful coexistence with other faiths.