Christians Attend Program on Muharram Mourning Rituals in Berlin Church
The program was jointly organized by the Iranian Cultural Center in Berlin and the Anglican Church.
It was aimed at introducing the uprising of Imam Hussein (AS) and his martyrdom in the 680 AD Battle of Karbala, and the importance of ceremonies held by Shia Muslims around the world to mourn the sad the event.
Addressing the program, Seyed Ali Mojani, Iranian cultural attaché in berlin, noted that for 14 centuries, every year during Muharram, an atmosphere of mourning dominates Iran and the Shia world, and event that has had a profound impact on the personal and social life of Iranians and Shias elsewhere.
He further elaborated on the role of elegy recitations and Muharram mourning ceremonies in Shia Muslims’ life.
Also speaking was Pastor Michael Fentzel of Berlin Anglican Church who described religious rituals as a bridge that can link cultures and peoples.
Later in the program, elegies by Muhtasham Kashani about the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) was recited by Aref f Raf’at, an Iranian residing in Germany. The elegy recitation was accompanied by Ney (a musical instrument similar to flute) played by Master Ahmad Anousheh.
