Syria Awqaf Ministry Denies Closure of Hazrat Zeynab Shrine, Ban on Muharram Rituals
New reports published in some media outlets and social networks claimed earlier that that mausoleum had been closed and that mourning ceremonies marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) were banned during the month of Muharram.
The media office of the ministry said that the shrine is open to pilgrims and there is no prohibition on holding religious ceremonies during Ashura or other days of Muharram.
The ministry emphasized its commitment to facilitating pilgrimage to the shrines in the country for all pilgrims and its commitment to organizing the pilgrimage and security measures to protect the safety of pilgrims.
Images published on social media show a ceremony held on the first night of Muharram at the shrine of Hazrat Zeyinab (SA), attended by dozens of people.
With the rise of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) elements in Syria in October 2024, the shrine of Hazrat Zeynab (SA) has faced challenges.
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Despite the extremist approach of the HTS and its history in this regard, after coming to power in Syria, it has said that it will handle religious shrines, especially sacred Shia sites, with great caution to avoid any desecration or transgression that might provoke public outrage.
Shia Muslims, and others around the world, commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) every year during Muharram.
The third Shia Imam (AS) and a group of his family and companions were martyred in Karbala on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), 680 AD, by the army of Yazid bin Muawiya.
This year Ashura will be observed on Sunday July 6.
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