Sham-e Ghariban Rituals in Iran

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Sham-e Ghariban (the Evening of Strangers) refers to the evening of the 10th day of Muharram (Ashura) in Persian literature and poetry.

On this night, Shias mourn and lament the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and the tribulations and tragedies that befell the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS). This commemoration takes place in every corner of Iran and in other countries in the world, and incudes special and unique rituals. Some of the rituals that take place on the evening of Ashura include setting fire to symbolic tents - that represent the tents of the camp of Imam Hussein (AS) which were burned by the enemies on that night in 61/680-, lighting candles, and reciting elegies (Rawdha Khani) in memory of the events that took place on Ashura.

The following photos show Sham-e Ghariban rituals in Tehran and Mashhad.