ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Role of the in Building the Virtuous Community Book Seven: The Ritual System of the Virtuous Community Chapter 1: Rituals of The Ahl Al-Bayt The majority of private rituals practiced by the virtuous community directly or indirectly relate to the (‘a).

However, in this discussion, we aim at dedicating our discussion to the rituals that basically focused on the (‘a) in their capacity as persons of a superior standing with Almighty Allah and enjoying the position of Imamate and divinely designated leadership of the Muslim community.

Thus, the following topics fall under this title: Commemorating Imam al-Husayn’s Martyrdom Commemorating Anniversaries of the Holy Infallibles (‘a) Visiting Tombs and Shrines of the Holy Infallibles (‘a) Ceremonies of commemorating Imam al-Husayn’s Martyrdom Besides expressing loyalty to the (‘a) in general and Imam al-Husayn (‘a) in particular, the ceremonies of commemorating Imam al-Husayn’s martyrdom, as well as the anniversaries appertaining to the Holy Infallibles (‘a), are actually meetings which discuss doctrinal, moral, social, historical affairs, and issues related to the daily and current affairs of Muslims.

In one aspect of their content, the social aspect, these ceremonies resemble the Friday Prayers during which Muslims gather to listen to the sermons delivered by the preacher who usually discusses various aspects of their current affairs and reminds them of Almighty Allah.[^1] In another aspect, these ceremonies are held to deliberate knowledge and ethics.

We have previously discussed the ceremonies commemorating Imam al-Husayn’s martyrdom in the Second Book of this series which discussed the cultural aspect of building a virtuous community. We have also discussed the philosophy of such ceremonies, their spiritual, cultural, and political outcomes, rituals recommended by the Holy Imams (‘a) and, other rituals invented by people.

Although the ceremonies commemorating Imam al-Husayn’s martyrdom, represent an anniversary of one of the Holy Imams (‘a), an independent chapter has been dedicated to discussing this anniversary due to its significance and particularities. The (‘a) gave this anniversary so much importance and consideration that it has turned into a cultural, spiritual, and behavioral school for building a virtuous community.

Hereafter, I will briefly discuss the ceremonies and the times when the followers of the (‘a) solemnly commemorate Imam al-Husayn’s martyrdom.