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August 2024 |Mahjubah Magazine43sacrifice.Processions, or Azadari, are another prominent feature of Muharram observances. These processions often include participants who march through streets carrying banners, flags, and symbols of grief. Some participants engage in acts of self-flagellation, beating their chests, or other expressions of mourning to physically manifest their sorrow and solidarity with Imam Hussain%u2019s suffering. While these practices vary in intensity and form across different regions, they universally reflect a deep sense of loss and a commitment to the values for which Imam Hussain stood.Food plays a significant role during Muharram as well. Many communities prepare and distribute free meals, known as %u201cNiyaz%u201d or %u201cKandil,%u201d to symbolize hospitality and communal support. This act of giving and sharing reflects the spirit of sacrifice and the importance of community solidarity, values that Imam Hussain%u2019s legacy continues to inspire.The mourning period extends beyond rituals; it influences the entire atmosphere of the month. Public and private spaces are often decorated with black, the color of mourning, and events are marked by somber and reflective tones. This collective expression of grief serves as a powerful reminder of the values Imam Hussain championed and a means of reinforcing those values in contemporary contexts.In essence, the mourning of Imam Hussain during Muharram is more than a historical commemoration; it is an enduring act of devotion and a reaffirmation of principles of justice, integrity, and sacrifice. It embodies the spirit of resistance against oppression and encourages followers to uphold moral and ethical standards in their own lives. Through the rituals, recitations, and communal gatherings, the memory of Imam Hussain remains a beacon of light for millions, guiding them in their pursuit of justice and righteousness.Photo: Zahra Akhwan Saraf-Isfahan