Tehran – Institute for Intellectual Development in Children and Young Adults – Kanoon has announced the launch of a craft campaign titled “Gifts of Gifts,” which aims to promote and deepen the culture of Ashrah among audiences.
The initiative focuses on creating handmade crafts that reflect the spirit of Ashura, specifically designed for young pilgrims visiting the holy temple of Imam Hussein (AS) in Karbala. These crafts are produced by members of the Institute’s centre using innovative and artistic methods.
Members of both fixed and mobile cultural and artistic centers will need to create these crafts in conjunction with summer workshops and process-oriented activities until July 16th. The campaign highlights leveraging community resources, involving families and encouraging greater participation from teens and young people in the initiative.
Handcrafted crafts created by members and instructors are distributed to young pilgrims by ambassadors from various states.
The campaign also emphasizes the importance of cultural symbols shared between Iran and Iraq, incorporating the symbol of Ashura into the crafts, practical for both male and female pilgrims, lightweight for easy transport, and made from portable materials such as felt, beads and decorative elements. Additionally, attention is paid to aesthetically pleasing packaging.
Ashura’s teachings are rich in love and understanding, providing a fertile ground that sows the seeds of love in the hearts of children and young people. The important parts of Asura’s culture and the movements of Karbara live vividly through a beautiful art medium that is constantly intertwined with the mission of Imam Hussein (AS).
The secretariat for the “Gift of the Good Ones” craft campaign is located in the province of Khorasan Razavi.
Ashura is one of the most dramatic and meaningful events in Islamic history. It commemorates the Martianism of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), the third Imam, and the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh), who was killed along with 72 faithful companions at the Battle of Karbara in 680. This tragic event represents the ultimate stance against tyranny and injustice as Imam Hussein (AS) and his small group of followers opposed the oppressive Umayyadh dynasty led by Yazid.
Imam Hussein (AS) refused to pledge his loyalty to Yazid, whose rule is considered corrupt and non-Islam. Instead, he chose to support truth, justice and righteousness, even though it meant sacrifice his life. His courage and sacrifice became a symbol of resistance to the oppression of the coming generation.
Ashura has deep cultural and religious significance, especially among Shia Muslims. Every year, on the 10th day of Muharam’s Islamic Month, millions of people around the world commemorate the event with reenactments of the processions and battles. People wear black, recite elegy, and reflect on the values that Imam Hussein stood in. In many cultures, food and water are distributed freely, reminding of the thirst and suffering endured by Imam Hussein and his companions.
The culture of Ashura is not limited to mourning. It also promotes values such as justice, sacrifice, loyalty and confronting injustice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and moral courage. To this day, Ashura continues to inspire individuals and communities to pursue the truth and defend those who are oppressed, regardless of cost.
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