Abstract

The Historical Study of the Ḥāʾir al-Ḥusaynī:

From an Identity Symbol to Jurisprudential Boundaries

Seyyed Mohsen Sharifi1

Abstract

The term Ḥāʾir al-Ḥusaynī refers to the area surrounding the grave of Imam al-Ḥusayn (as). This sacred site has a rich historical background marked by various phases of destruction and reconstruction. One of the most significant instances of destruction was carried out under the rule of al-Mutawakkil, the Abbasid caliph. Despite such events, the site underwent numerous reconstructions over time. Beyond its historical dimensions, the Ḥāʾir is recognized as a symbol of Shi‘i identity. This article aims to analyze the role of this revered location in shaping Shi‘i identity. It examines the etymological and historical roots of the term Ḥāʾir, explores the reasons behind its naming, and surveys its architectural evolution, periods of destruction, and subsequent restorations. Furthermore, the paper investigates the jurisprudential boundaries associated with the Ḥāʾir and its religious significance. Ultimately, this study seeks to articulate the place of the Ḥāʾir al-Ḥusaynī in the history of Shi‘ism and its enduring influence on Shi‘i identity. In addition to being a symbol of the Shi‘i community’s proud history, the Ḥāʾir serves as a site for reaffirming religious values and principles. Various jurisprudential rulings—such as the permissibility of consuming its soil for healing purposes and the optionality of performing shortened or full prayers there—underscore the profound connection between this sacred place and the history of Islam.

Keywords: history of Karbala, Ḥāʾir al-Ḥusaynī, Imam al-Ḥusayn (as), identity symbol, jurisprudential boundaries.

The Role of Affiliation and Devotional Loyalty to the Ahl al-Bayt (as) in the Enhancement of Human Dignity

Mujtaba Heydari2

Abstract

Among the notable outcomes of maintaining loyalty and spiritual affiliation with the Ahl al-Bayt (as) is the elevation of human dignity. This study seeks to explore the mechanisms through which such a relationship contributes to the enhancement of individual honor and status. A thorough examination of this subject reveals critical insights into the nature of the connection between individuals and the Ahl al-Bayt (as), as well as the high status of these revered figures in the sight of Allah and within the broader cosmic order. The present article investigates the role of this spiritual bond in fortifying human dignity: i) respecting and obeying the Ahl al-Bayt (as) is regarded as a means of strengthening servitude to God; ii) the command to respect the Ahl al-Bayt (as) is explicitly mentioned by God; iii) offering assistance to the Ahl al-Bayt (as) is considered as offering assistance to God; iv) establishing friendship with the Ahl al-Bayt (as) and accepting their guardianship is equivalent to accepting the guardianship of God; v) this relationship places one in the company of the most noble individuals; vi) connection with the Ahl al-Bayt (as) results in the improvement of one’s ethics and behaviors; vii) friendship and companionship with the Ahl al-Bayt (as) signifies companionship with truth and reality; viii) maintaining a relationship with the Ahl al-Bayt (as) entails showing humility before their status; ix) numerous rewards have been promised for those who express affiliation and obedience to the Ahl al-Bayt (as).

Keywords: friendship with the Ahl al-Bayt (as), dignity, effects of friendship with the Ahl al-Bayt (as), dignity through following of the Ahl al-Bayt (as).

Facing the Qiblah During Pilgrimage: A Comparative Study of Shia and Sunni Perspectives

Hafez Najafi3

Abstract

The performance of pilgrimage involves specific rituals, the observance of which plays a significant role in enhancing its spiritual efficacy and value. These rituals are recorded in diverse forms across Shia and Sunni sources. One such practice is facing the Qiblah during pilgrimage, which has been the subject of considerable scholarly debate due to the presence of varying and, at times, conflicting narrations concerning its affirmation and negation. Certain narrations emphasize the necessity of facing the Qiblah during pilgrimage, while others indicate that turning toward the grave of the interred person is among the established customs of pilgrimage. This article, employing a descriptive methodology, examines relevant narrations and scholarly positions from both Shia and Sunni traditions. The analysis indicates that in the context of pilgrimage to the Prophet (S) and the Infallible Imams (as), turning toward the grave is among the customary practices and is preferred. In contrast, when visiting the graves of non-Infallible individuals from the Ahl al-Bayt (as) — such as Fāṭimah bint Asad and Fāṭimah Maʿṣūmah — as well as the graves of other believers and the righteous, it is deemed more appropriate to face the Qiblah during the act of pilgrimage.

Keywords: facing Qiblah, facing grave, pilgrimage, Shia scholars, Sunni scholars.

The Ethics and Etiquette of Pilgrimage: A Study from the Perspectives of Science and Religion

Hamidreza Nia Shirazi4

Abstract

This article explores the philosophy and ethics of pilgrimage and its associated etiquette. It also examines various dimensions of pilgrimage through the lenses of disciplines such as psychology and educational studies, in addition to analyses based on verses and narrations. The practice of pilgrimage holds a definitive and established place within Islamic teachings. The research focuses on the general ethical principles and behavioral etiquette associated with pilgrimage, including ritual purification (ghusl), wearing clean and orderly garments scented with fragrance, maintaining dignity and certainty, the recitation of takbīr and tasbīḥ, seeking permission to enter, refraining from inappropriate speech and idle actions, showing reverence to the figure interred in the grave, supplicating, reciting the Qur’an, and engaging in acts of worship at the burial site. While the article does not aim to provide an exhaustive list of the etiquette, it emphasizes the core practices. Within this framework, “science” refers to a body of verifiable truths established through empirical observation. The findings from narrative sources are shown to align with rational and scientific perspectives, indicating that the outcomes of pilgrimage are consistent with its intended moral and spiritual objectives.

Keywords: ethics of pilgrimage, science, religion, moral effects and social outcomes.

The Impact of Pilgrimage on the Political Education of Pilgrims in Light of Islamic Teachings

Seyyed Mahmoud Marvian Hosseini,5 Ali Daneshdoost

Abstract

Pilgrimage occupies a prominent position in Islamic culture, particularly within the Shi’a tradition, and has long attracted scholarly attention. While numerous works have addressed the merits, significance, rites, and conditions of pilgrimage, comparatively limited focus has been given to its economic, cultural, touristic, artistic, pedagogical, and political dimensions. Among its educational dimensions, political education constitutes a significant aspect. Within Shi’a pilgrimage literature and narrative sources, political education is reflected in acts such as visiting the graves of the Infallible (as), renewing allegiance to them, and affirming one’s loyalty to their covenant. Accordingly, pilgrimage offers considerable potential for enhancing pilgrims’ awareness of the pilgrimage figure’s political objectives, fostering political enthusiasm, reinforcing political consciousness, promoting recognition of enemies, and making extensive political assemblies.

Keywords: pilgrimage, education, politics, Imam.

Analyzing the Relationship Between Spiritual Health and Social Health in the Context of the Arbaeen Walk

Fatemeh Ahmadi Bighash6

Abstract

Spiritual health acquires its full significance when examined in relation to social health. This study seeks to explore the correlation between spiritual health and religiously oriented social health among participants in the Arbaeen Walk. The primary question is whether a meaningful relationship exists between these two domains among the pilgrims. The findings of the research indicate that spiritual health is significantly associated with individuals’ social health, and its cognitive, emotional, and functional components each show a meaningful correlation with social health. Moreover, marital status shows a significant difference in relation to the dimensions of spiritual health, and gender differs significantly with respect to the cognitive dimensions. The results suggest that an increase in spiritual health corresponds with a higher level of social health. The Arbaeen Walk, due to its inclusive nature—drawing participants from various social strata and belief levels—serves as a conducive setting for fostering solidarity, social cohesion, and active participation, thereby contributing to greater collective well-being and societal integration.

Keywords: spiritual health, social health, Arbaeen Walk, participants.

The Impact of the Symbolic Capacity of the Arbaeen Walk on the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Middle East

Naser Pour Hassan,7 Saeed Daneshmand8

Abstract

Religious rituals, such as Ashura and Arbaeen, serve as a distinct source of the regional influence and soft power of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This article offers a novel analysis of this dimension of the Islamic Republic’s power and addresses the question regarding the influence of the Arbaeen Walk on Iran’s regional foreign policy. The findings indicate that the Arbaeen Walk represents a foundational religious-historical phenomenon within Shia Islam, which, beyond its ritualistic and mourning origins, has evolved into a political event with significant ramifications in both regional and international contexts. Furthermore, as an international media platform, the Arbaeen Walk has effectively countered a substantial portion of the cultural offensives directed against the Islamic Republic. By leveraging this symbolic capacity, the Islamic Republic of Iran has succeeded in pursuing a policy oriented towards prestige and the demonstration of power, which functions strategically to neutralize hostile policies—such as political isolation—imposed by enemies.

Keywords: symbolic power, Arbaeen Walk, Islamic Republic of Iran, foreign policy, Middle East.