Shafaqna Pakistan:– Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia’s Qatif region have continued their Muharram mourning ceremonies despite reported restrictions on religious gatherings.
Residents of Qatif marked the beginning of Muharram and the Ashura commemorations by holding at least 600 Husseini gatherings on the first night of the holy month.
According to reports, these gatherings reflect the community’s dedication to preserving its religious traditions and identity. Based on field observations and figures shared by the “Masurat” platform, the ceremonies were organised in mosques, Husseiniyas and private homes across different cities, villages and neighbourhoods of the Qatif region.
The commemorations highlight the continued observance of Muharram rituals by the Shia community in the area.
It shows the insistence and commitment of the people of the region to holding Muharram mourning ceremonies. Speakers at the ceremonies on the first night of Muharram emphasized the importance of keeping the memory and message of Ashura alive, regardless of the costs and difficulties, as well as the need to apply the teachings of the movement of Imam Hussein (AS) in social life.
Reports published in this regard indicate a widespread public reception of the mourning ceremonies, with many small gatherings were met with a large number of mourners from.
Shias in the Qatif region participate in the Muharram ceremonies while, according to local sources, Saudi security agencies have imposed restrictions on holding Muharram rituals. These measures include establishing checkpoints and restricting the movement of some citizens, preventing the holding of some centralized programs, removing mourning symbols and flags from public streets, and restricting the establishment of some reception stations.
In the face of restrictions and challenges imposed by the authorities, event organizers and religious activists have tried to continue Muharram rituals using alternative methods, including holding gatherings in private spaces, installing flags in internal passages, and utilizing virtual platforms. In this regard, more than 100 live webcasts of mourning gatherings have been launched through online platforms.
Source: IQNA , Shafaqna English
