Demise of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Hassan in Iran
Iran’s law lists 28 Safar as an official public holiday, marking the day as a national observance as well as a religious commemoration.[1] In Iran, it is associated with the passing of Prophet Muhammad and the martyrdom of Imam Hassan, and is observed with mourning ceremonies and charitable food offerings.[2][3]
An official date in Iran
Iran’s law on official holidays includes the 28th of Safar in its list of nationwide public holidays. The law also allows the government to arrange essential services on days it declares holidays, but it does not set out a specific substitute-day rule for this observance.[1]
The date follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its corresponding date in the civil calendar shifts from year to year. In the Shiite commemorative calendar, 28 Safar marks the anniversaries of Prophet Muhammad’s death and the death of the second Imam, Hassan.[2]
Meaning and observance
The day joins remembrance of the Prophet with mourning for Imam Hassan, a central figure in Shiite religious tradition. The 28th of Safar is one of the dates that Iranica identifies with communal mourning in a village in Lorestan; it also notes that the day’s significance and practices sit within a broader season of mourning during Muharram and Safar.[2]
Mourning assemblies may include recitations of elegies and religious poetry. Iran’s cultural news service describes people gathering for these recitations on 28 Safar, while Iranica notes that rawza readings and sermons are also held in private homes and religious halls, known as Hosseiniyehs.[2][3]
Food and regional customs
Charitable food sharing is part of some observances. Iran’s cultural news service names Sholeh Zard, a saffron rice pudding, and Ash Sholeh Qalamkar, a meat and lentil stew, among foods prepared and shared for the occasion.[3] Iranica also records the distribution of halva in Mashhad on the anniversary of Imam Hassan’s death.[2]
Observances vary by place and community, so these foods and ceremonies should not be taken as universal customs across Iran. Iranica describes regional differences in Shiite mourning traditions and identifies a specific communal observance on 28 Safar in Lorestan.[2][3]
Planning around the holiday
The legal designation establishes the date as a public holiday. Travelers should check directly with offices, banks, shops and transport providers for their local schedules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is 28 Safar a public holiday in Iran?
Yes. Iran’s law listing the country’s official holidays includes 28 Safar.[1]
Why is the day observed?
In the Shiite commemorative calendar, 28 Safar marks the death anniversaries of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Hassan.[2]
Are shops and public transport open?
Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Demise of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Hassan (Mujtaba) in Iran:
- لایحه قانونی تعیین تعطیلات رسمی کشور- Islamic Revolution Council of Iran (legislation hosted by Nezamat)
- FESTIVALS iii. Shi’ite- Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation
- Echoes of devotion: Iran’s mourning traditions for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Imam Hassan (AS)- Islamic Culture and Communication Organization