p. 14 | The Persian Fast of Mourning by F. F. OSTER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 29, 1911

The Persian Fast of Mourning

By F. F. OSTER

F. F. OSTER

The population of Persia consists almost entirely of Shiah Mohammedans, as opposed to the Sunnites, or Traditionalists. They differ from the latter in that they regard Ali and his descendants as the rightful successors of Mohammed, while the Sunnites reject him. For this reason the Persians celebrate a number of fasts and feasts not observed by the great majority of Mohammedans. One of the most important of these is the ten days’ season of mourning for the Imam Husein.

The Persians reckon time by the lunar year; hence their festivals, according to the solar system, fall on dates eleven or twelve days earlier on each succeeding year. This year the fast of Husein came in January, and was celebrated with much enthusiasm by the thousands of Persians residing in Baku.

It is observed in commemoration of the martyrdom of Husein, whom they regard as the rightful successor of the assassinated Ali. He was on his way to Kufa to receive the califate; but before he reached that place, he was attacked by his rival, and with seventy of his followers was slain. The Persians annually commemorate this event by the performance of the tazia, or passion-play, which is said to date from the tenth century.

During the first several days of this fast, a number of ceremonies well calculated to excite the fanaticism of the people, are gone through. By the time the tenth day is reached, the people are worked up to feverish excitement. The young men are the principal actors. Our teachers directed us to a place where we obtained a good view of the proceedings.

A long line of men walking sidewise made their appearance. Each clasped with his left hand the waistcoat of the one following. The leader asked questions concerning Husein, and the men replied in unison, accompanying each answer with an emphatic downward jerk of the hands and a stamp of the foot. Now and then the fists came down heavily upon their pates. Unmindful of the freezing temperature, many pounded their naked chests until they were blue. They marched several rounds, and then left the street.

Next came two lines of men and boys dressed in black, singing a dirge. They walked with a slow, steady pace, and swayed from side to side. Each carried a staff, at the end of which was fastened a number of chains. Every other step they would bow slightly, allowing the chains to alight gently on their right shoulders. They sang a very sweet and touching melody. The words told of the fate of Husein. The whole scene was very pathetic; strong men sobbed on every side. Several other companies followed, with increasing excitement.

The climax was reached when a long line of white-robed men entered the street. Frenzy had now reached its zenith. They were ready to do any inhuman act. Their voices were hoarse, continually shouting, “Husein!” “Husein!” They waved their swords in the air; and as they neared us, let them come down upon their shaven crowns. Blood flowed profusely over their white gowns, presenting a scene too disgusting to look at. Some pounded their mangled heads with their fists; others were prevented from taking their own lives by having their swords taken from them. Sugar-water was freely passed around to moisten the parched lips. Men with bandages were busy binding up the wounds. Others were leading the faint to their homes. Should one die, as often

happens, he is believed to go directly to paradise. These men were such as were under vows, and desired special merit; the greater the self-infliction, the greater the favor supposed to be received.

In the midst of this company was a horse mounted by a three-year-old boy. His little head also was covered with blood, but he uttered no cry, doubtless being overawed by the excitement. Around him were several men who gently caressed him and the horse. He represented the little children who were slain with Husein. The people all wept as he came in view. Tears are considered very meritorious. Behind the horse was a crowd of men throwing dust into the air.

At the close the crowd gathered in front of the mosque, to listen to a discourse by the mollah, and then disbanded.

Touching tales are related, and many tears are shed, but not because of the sins of the people. Their religion is one of works; they depend upon their good deeds for salvation, and seek the favor of God by means of deeds of self-mortification. Through long centuries they have been educated in that way, and few of them know any better. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can free them from these chains of error. We must carry the glad tidings to them; for after witnessing such scenes one can the better appreciate the salvation that is found in Jesus alone.

Baku, Russia.