Imam Reza Shrine Hosts Regional Women’s Gatherings to Honor Ashura Legacy

On Wednesday, Arabic-speaking scholars and community leaders gathered at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad for a cultural event titled Ashura Women.

The gathering was organized by the West Asia division of the Deputy Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs and took place in Dar al-Rahmah Portico.

More than 100 women from Iraq, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Syria attended to honor Hazrat Zeinab’s legacy and discuss women’s contributions to Islamic culture.

Taghrid Mohammad Jouni of Lebanon delivered the keynote address, stating: “Her role was pivotal in nurturing values and guiding future generations.”

She added: “Hazrat Zeinab’s life was a timeless model of awakening, resilience, and loyalty to divine leadership.”

The ceremony included a devotional recitation by Raja Umm Hadi from Bahrain, filling the hall with tributes to the Ahl al-Bayt.

Separately, during the first ten days of Muharram, Azeri-speaking women held the Ashura Epic mourning ceremony at the same shrine.

That event, organized by the Central Asia division, took place in Melal Hall and focused on the lessons of Karbala.

The program opened with Quranic recitation by Zahra Heydarova of Azerbaijan, followed by collective Salawat for Imam Reza.

Keynote speaker Alizadeh emphasized Imam Hussein’s sacrifice, saying: “When the foundations of religion are threatened, one must be willing to give everything to protect them.”

She noted that Imam Hussein rose against Yazid to defend Islamic values, sacrificing his life, family, and companions.

Azeri poetess Khiyalah Ismailova presented a poem reflecting on Ashura’s impact, and  Mirbeyim Hosseinli concluded with the recitation of Ziyarat Ashura.

The gatherings underscored cultural solidarity among women dedicated to sustaining the Karbala legacy and raising future generations committed to faith.