Shi'i Ashura Rituals in Iran: The Voice of the Arab Minority of Khuzestan

What is it about?

This article explores the significance of popular religious agents in Iran, focusing on the maddāḥān (eulogists) and their role in the Ashura processions, in the context of Iran’s ethnic minorities, looking into the unique case-study of Khuzestan. To comprehend the contemporary relevance of Ashura, this study utilizes social media, employing a hermeneutical approach to videography. The maddāḥān played a pivotal role in promoting a unifying Shiʿi and revolutionary ethos through their meticulously crafted videos and their widespread dissemination, fostering a sense of solidarity with the Islamic republic and its message of resilience. Their contribution was significant among ethnic minorities, given their numerous grievances toward the regime.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Within this growing interest in popular Islam there are only few studies that focus on informal or popular religious agents in Iran, including the maddāhāṇ, and that explore their relationship with “the people.” Unraveling the complex relationship between diverse Islamic voices within Iran becomes even more intricate when examining ethnic minorities, due to their complex notion of identity.