PakistaniPacifist

Brother, where are you? I hope all is well at your end.

As to being emotional and not binding themselves to a Marja, this observance of yours in correct about Pakistanis. Marja's are essentially jurists who make legal decisions in accordance with Islamic law for less-knowledgeable clerics and then followers. To me, the primary reason for the above in Pakistan's case is the absence of such Maraji, plus sectarian-incited political upheaval. One must note their importance though. The Maraji create unity despite a popular assumption that they breed discord. The unity forged by the Maraji have halted the seeping in of sectarianism and the causation of differences or alternations in belief that would lead to a division within the Umm'ath. This could be directly compared to several estemeed Sunn'ite clergymen who have rather caused divisions within their School in some instances. The presence of such knowledge and gifted people in the matters of faith is needed in Pakistan to do away with discord within the community in Pakistan and lessen the observance of questionable practices which I have afore-mentioned.

As to the Sena-Zani, or chest-beating, what do you think of the way that it is performed? I did mention in my previous posts how the method is seen here as being boastful and somewhat showy rather than a true deep-inflicted saddness and sorrow which would not translate into such a manly show. The matam is perhaps longer in Iran although it is considerably much toned down from Pakistan and slower.

Well it is quiet interesting but saddening to hear what many make of Iran solely because of the belief of its people and it is even more saddening to hear what many make of our beliefs. As I stated before, for the vast majority, their views and the little knowledge that they possess in almost exclusively based on rumors, many of whom they have derived from their religious teachers. To teach of what you know not of is not only wrongful but to spread rumors and lies is sinful as well. Are you a recent convert by the way?

Firstly, I grouped Pakistanis and Indians together because I was only referring to commemorations of Moharam and the rituals that are performed alongside them which are exactly identical-- for the Matam to the Zanjeer-Zani. My grouping together meant no other purpose. As to the differences in mindset, you will find them varying from school to school, from scholar to scholar, from person to person. It would be incorrect in saying that the mindset of the Iranian clergy is more or less the same, for there lies much variety in attitudes and thoughts. Also, the Khoja themselves form a community within the Shi'ah in India and are not necessarily representative of the entire populace.

As for Zanjeer-Zani, the practices evolved very early in Iraq and Iran and have been passed on to Lebanon and the Subcontinent. As the clergy gained strength in Iran and Iraq, they began to address this practice. I understand where most Pakistanis would come from on this issue. The core issue is not appeasement however. There are evident differences in the Schools of Thought and they shall remain present. The core issue is addressing inventions or additions to the faith. As our belief sees it, the Holy Quran with the Masu'meen is the right path to Allah. Our knowledge and teachings are derived exclusively from this alone. What they propagate, is what we propagate, what they shun is what we shun. Verily, Allah is pleased with affection for the Prophet's Family and with those who bear sacrifice in their light but there is a fine line between sacrifice and self-infliction. For the Masu'meen every act was an act of worship. Zanjeer-Zani as such is not as much. The most adamant practicers are often those who lag in mandatory prayers the most, for which there is no substitute else Emam Husayn (A) would not have offered them before Martyrdom. The issue here is one where a prevailing culture casts a shadow over religion, and then defends it religiously. There are numerous other examples where this has been done as well in other cultures.

Though, I must speak out about something and perhaps you can enlighten me. Moharam in Pakistan/India is of much interest to religious Iranians because of certain happenings.

First is the use of blade-tipped chains. This is explicitly prohibited in Iran and the clergy has worked to eliminate such practices. I myself am in complete disagreement with it. It also serves to lower the image of our school of thought. I do ask what the clergy in Pakistan does about this? To my knowledge, many Ulema there rather attempt to uphold it.

Then there is the Sena-Zani (chest-beating) as it is done there. Several groups from the subcontinent arrive during each Moharam as they do in Syria and Iraq. It is found to be a bit showy, as in, as if meant for display (no offense to you)-- a person in true pain or in sorrow would find his hand reach his chest almost naturally, but not like so as I have witnessed from the said group. What do you think of it? Also, despite having female onlookers of all ages, the young males strip down to their Shalwar/Payjameh and do this in open-display.

Lastly, I took keen interest to view a lot of the other ritual practices (people are quiet amused to hear about them back home). There are one to many to mention here but perhaps some other time.

Of course I do realize that mourners of the subcontinent are not alone in this as similar yet different actions happen in Lebanon and Iraq and yes, in many parts of Iran.

True, I noticed this myself during my stay however thankfully I did not have to confront such a person myself. Moreover, I got asked a lot of general questions about Iran which is a good thing but sadly I ended up answering rumors only. Some were bordering the insane. Many Iranians, especially many of those abroad hold much contempt for Islamic republic and help to propagate them as well. As for the Shi'a, most people's views are almost entirely founded on rumor alone. The most common is equating others with the Almighty, which of course, is completely unfounded.

Paris does have a healthy and well-established community but I wouldn't say that it is very large. I feel delighted though that you liked your stay in Iran and I am sure you would enjoy a visit to Isfahan as the city is shrouded in history and culture. An age old Farsi saying goes, "Esfahan nafs jahan" (poetically, Isfahan is half of the world. It is like how Lahore residents say "Lahore, Lahore haai"). Tabriz is yet another historical city. I come from a clerical and mercantile family background.

Also, your country is quiet well-endowed with beauty as I have discovered on several of my trips and thankfully thus far I have only encountered very friendly and helpful people.

Yes, but the community is not very large as you can imagine. However, it is well-integrated. My family is native to Qom. Also, thank you for your kind comments. These holy places are indeed a blessing onto our land. Have you ever traveled to or had intention to travel to Iran?

... and thank you for accepting my request. I am well. In a given year my stay in Iran is very limited-- mostly one or at maximum two trips. My primary residence is in Paris. What about you?

Salam Alaykum baradar,

How are you?