The Ritusls and Aims of the Infallibleb Imam's Mourning Imam al-Husayn

The martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn has been the most horrible calamity that befell the Shiite world. The Infallible Imams seized every single opportunity to mourn Imam al-Husayn, in addition to the usual mourning ceremonies they held annually in Muharram. However, the tradition of mourning Imam al-Husayn has practically gone astray to some extent throughout history in effect of which it has caused some people to regard it with some doubtif its course might have led to nowhere, all devoid of any religious reward and merit. The present descriptive-analytical study attempts to portray the practices of the Infallible Imams, all based on authoritative sources. As such, commemoration of Imam al-Husayn's martyrdom has historically received certain rituals, e.g., abstaining from wearing jewels during the grief-stricken days, wearing in black, delivering religious lectures, reciting dirges (nawhas), shedding tears, and expressing condolences. Besides, it included inviting people to compose mournful poems, instructing people to go on pilgrimage to the tomb of Imam al-Husayn, informing people of the aims of Imam al-Husayn's movement, conveying to people the rewards of mourning Imam al-Husayn, and tremendous effects of showing sympathy with Imam al-Husayn, e.g., being resurrected together with Imam al-Husayn, with no sign recorded in the mourner's profile.