Shiite grief over attacks on Iran’s sacred cities has deep historical roots

In Shiite Islam, grief is not only personal but collective − expressed through rituals, pilgrimage and devotion to saints.

By: Mary Thurlkill, University of Mississippi, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 30, 2026

Words: 1,335

Last Updated: 4 months ago

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By Mary Thurlkill, University of Mississippi

Several Shiite communities in South Asia recently refrained from celebrating Eid as they mourned the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. From Nigeria to Kashmir – well beyond the Gulf region – the assassination has stirred deep concerns among Shiite Muslims.

Shiite Islam is the official, and majority, religion of Iran. Shiite minorities in other countries tend to view Iranian leaders as protectors and …

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