Tatbir Should be Abandoned Forever: Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi

On the occasion of Tasu’a and Ashura commemoration anniversary, Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi delivered a message to all Muslims, urging them to be wary of the enemy’s agents who are trying to tarnish the greatness and majesty of the Ashura event.

According to the Ijtihad Network, the full text of his message is as follows:

In the Name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Merciful

The mourning ceremonies held in Muharram and Ashura Day to commemorate Imam Hussayn (A.S) and his fellow companions are among the most glorious mourning ceremonies and commemorations throughout the world, representing public devotion and love for Imam Hussayn (A.S) and his companions who were martyred in Karbala. However, the enemy has been attempting to tarnish the greatness of the Karbala event through the plots carried out by its secret agents including inappropriate poems and songs which certainly defame the dignity of such ceremonies; therefore, it is necessary to be wary of this current. Dear eulogists (Maddahs) must be careful not to allow the enemy to cause damage to the Ashura event and its values.

Tatbir is an illogical practice which has turned into a propaganda tool in the hand of the enemy and should be abandoned forever and be eliminated from the public and private mourning ceremonies held to commemorate Imam Hussayn (A.S) without the police intervention. Dear mourners of Imam Hussayn (A.S) could donate their blood to the Blood Drives Centers instead to save the lives of those who are in need of blood.

Moreover, splattering streets and other public places with the (animal) sacrifice blood should seriously be avoided as it pollutes the surrounding area and has serious side effects for people’s health.

It is hoped that these points be fully observed by dear people.

Wa-Salamun Alaykum wa Rahmatollah wa Barakatoh

Naser Makarem Shirazi

7/9/2019