By Admin 
Shia Muslims in many parts of India including Rajasthan are saddened by the news of the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the biggest religious leader of the world’s Shia community in Iran. Deep sorrow and tremendous anger is visible in them. In Rajasthan too, there is mourning in the homes of Shia Muslims.
Many organizations of Shia Muslims have decided not to celebrate Eid this year due to Khamenei’s death. It has been decided that neither new clothes will be worn on the festival of Eid nor vermicelli will be made in homes. No kind of happiness will be celebrated. To perform the rituals, Eid namaz will be offered symbolically, that too by tying a black band. Goodbye Friday prayers will also be offered in black belt only.
Mourning like Moharram in the month of Ramadan
There is a wave of mourning among Shia Muslims in almost all the cities of Rajasthan. There is more anger among the people regarding the killing of the biggest religious leader in the holy month of Ramzan. People are deeply sad and angry in many cities including the capital Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Bikaner, Jhalawar, Jodhpur and Bundi. Even in the month of Ramzan, there is mourning like Moharram.
Local Shia organizations of almost all the cities have decided that the festival of Eid will not be celebrated this time. Although the Eid namaz will be offered symbolically, everyone will wear a black band during the namaz, which is a symbol of mourning and condolence.
Deep crisis on the faith of Shia community
The Shia community believes that Khamenei was not only a religious leader, but he was also considered the representative of the 12th Imam i.e. Naib Imam. Waiting for the return of the 12th Imam is an important religious belief in the Shia community, and as such, Khamenei’s presence went beyond simple religious leadership. His demise has created a deep crisis of faith and sentiment in the Shia community, which is difficult to express in words.
An atmosphere of mourning is visible today in the big Shia buildings, Imambaras and mohallas of Rajasthan. People are also expressing their grief on social media with Khamenei’s pictures, and are sharing text posts, videos and tribute messages. Many people have also written that Khamenei’s ideas and leadership have firmly established the identity and sentiments of the Shia community.
Condolence messages issued in schools and colleges
According to the people of Shia community, this incident is affecting the community not only at the religious level but also socially and emotionally. Condolence messages are being issued in schools, colleges and social groups. Many local Shia organizations have organized tribute meetings and prayers on this day. Protests are also being held in many cities including the capital Jaipur. People of the community are organizing public and private prayer meetings, in which they are praying for the peace of Khamenei’s soul.
Youth and students of Shia community of Rajasthan are also greatly affected by this incident. Many people have said that the news of Khamenei’s death was difficult to believe. The youth have made emotional posts on social media remembering Khamenei’s thoughts and his dedication to religion.
It can be said that the news of Khamenei’s demise has emotionally shaken the Shia community in Rajasthan. For them, this is a time in which it is important to cherish faith, devotion and memories in their hearts. At the same time, there is a belief in the entire community that the teachings and guidance of their leader will remain alive in the hearts of the people for times to come.