Essence of heyats: Clarifying essence of Imam Hussain's (pbuh) uprising
Understanding the event of Ashura is not limited to a certain time in history. At any point in time, one should identify where the elements that made up the Yazidi identity and approach came from. Then in confronting that identity, the elements that make up the identity of Hussain should be brought forward. This requires insight and understanding. Clarification of this issue is one of the most important tasks that needs to be undertaken by heyats and mourning ceremonies.
Ayatollah Khamenei
May 9, 2001
Preachers and elegists present authentic material in Muharram ceremonies
Speakers, Islamic preachers, elegists, poets, and everyone should note that this [the event of Ashura] is a special truth. It is not something to play around with. The realities of Ashura should not be taken lightly. You cannot just add things to it. You cannot add superstitions to it or do unreasonable things under the pretext of mourning. You are not supporting Imam Hussain (pbuh) when you do such things.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Feb. 8, 2008
Heyat the place to practice jihad of clarification
Heyats (religious gatherings) are a center for practicing jihad, jihad on the path of God, and jihad to revive the school of the Household of the Prophet, the school of Imam Hussain (pbuh), and the school of martyrdom. So, what kind of jihad did the Imams (pbut) engage in? The Imams – apart from Imam Ali, Imam Hassan Mujtaba and Imam Hussain, who fought with swords – did not engage in a military jihad. What kind of jihad did they engage in? The jihad of clarification. Heyats are a place to practice jihad of clarification.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Dec. 13, 2009
Choose elegies that strengthen the faith of the audience
When we read an elegy, we should think about strengthening the faith of our audience with the poem. So, we shouldn’t read just any elegy, and we shouldn’t read elegies in just any way we want. We should read a poem in such a way that the words, the meaning, and the rhythm are effective when they come together. Effective in doing what? Effective in strengthening the faith of the audience.
Ayatollah Khamenei
July 5, 2007
Put aside religious and tribal differences
You use your voice, which is a blessing from God. You use tone and rhythm, which is a blessing from God. You use elegy, which is a natural talent given by God. You have these blessings, so what should you use them for? For enlightening others. If you use them to create division and if you use them to incite anger, this is a bad use of them. Creating divisions, controversy, and anger is not right. It is not right today, and it was not right in Imam Sadiq’s (pbuh) time. He stopped such actions as well. Some people who have a shallow outlook do not pay attention to this matter.
Ayatollah Khamenei
May 1, 2013
Heyats cannot be secular
Heyats cannot be secular. We don’t have secular heyats for Imam Hussain (pbuh). If someone loves Imam Hussain, it means they love an Islam of politics, of jihad, of fighting, of sacrifice, and of martyrdom. That is the meaning of believing in Imam Hussain. It is wrong for mourning ceremonies to stray away from talking about concepts related to a political Islam.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Nov. 11, 2013
In Muharram ceremonies establish close ties with Holy Quran
Becoming familiar with the Holy Quran is my recommendation to everyone. However, I am especially addressing people who propagate religion and elegists when I speak about this subject. They should become more familiar with the Quran. Be sure to read the Quran, and read it along with the translation while paying attention to it. Speak about them and act in accordance with them. This also applies to hadiths.
Ayatollah Khamenei
March 8، 2018
Opposing tatbir isn’t opposing Muharram mourning
There are some bad rituals, such as tatbir, which we have said are forbidden. What this does is that it causes the enemies to speak out against those who love the Prophet’s Household. Being opposed to tatbir does not mean that one is opposed to mourning. It is opposition to damaging the image of mourning ceremonies. Imam Hussain’s mourning ceremony should not be tainted. The ceremonies that are held for Imam Hussain (pbuh) are occasions where the religious truths that is truths about Imam Hussain (pbuh) are expressed.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Dec. 13, 2009
Spirit of mourning gatherings should be in harmony with spirit of Imam Hussain's uprising
We curse Shimr and Yazid in order to stand against the rule of tyrants, the rule of pleasure-seeking, and the rule by which the believers around the world are oppressed. Hussain ibn Ali's uprising was aimed at abolishing the governments that were against Islamic, human, divine values. And that is exactly what Imam Hussain (pbuh) accomplished through his uprising. Our ceremonies and the gatherings that we hold for Imam Hussain are gatherings that are against oppression and domination. They are a continuation of Imam Hussain’s uprising.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Jan. 9, 2008
Shedding tears for Imam Hussain (pbuh); great help in progressing on his path
There are three interpretations in the Quran regarding the term “Awliya Allah.” One interpretation is “Wilayah.” Another is that of "obedience." This is done in action. But there is also a third one, and that " mawadda" [love and friendship]. This love and friendship refer to a kind of support. It is achieved through these emotional ties. Narrating the story of the Prophet's Progeny is a way to create emotional ties. Telling the story of their virtues is another kind of emotional bond. Therefore, mourning, crying, and describing the events that have taken place on Ashura are all necessary.
Ayatollah Khamenei
Dec 13, 2009
