Photographer Saeid Mahmudi Aznavi has taken a collection of 160 photos over three years of the pilgrims and the different routes heading to Karbala.
Islamic philosopher Seyyed Hossein Nasr has written the preface for the book, and the texts in the book were written by Mohammad Sadat Akhavi, the Persian service of ISNA reported on Saturday.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by director of the Art and Cultural Organization of Tehran Municipality Mahmud Salahi, Tehran City Council member Ahmad Masjed-Jamei and Managing Director of Etelaat Persian Newspaper Mahmud Doai.
Arbaeen marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions on Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram and is the day when Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions were martyred.
Speaking at the ceremony, Masjed-Jamei said that he believes the book has beautifully portrayed the Arbaeen religious rituals with its significant photos.
“Noruz has long been the national symbol of Iranians and Ashura has been the mourning rituals of Iranians. And today we are in a period of history, in which films and photos can help promote the culture of Ashura around the world,” he said.
Doai also in his brief words talked about Professor Nasr and his books, and said, “The professor usually picks the highest element in each religion and writes about it.”
Researcher and expert of Nahj-ul-Balagha of Imam Ali (AS) Seyyed Hamid Khoi, also attending the ceremony, said that the event of Ashura is the only historical event that has not faded over the years, but, on the contrary, has become more influential day after day.
“Considering the military aspect, Ashura could be one of the smallest and most limited wars in history, but it has proved to be the most influential one, in which both Shia Muslims and all freedom-seekers in the world hold (strong) beliefs,” he added.
The ceremony concluded with officials unveiling the book. An exhibition of a selection of the photos is underway at the museum.
Photo: Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs (right), unveils the book “Arbaeen” at the Imam Ali (AS) Religious Arts Museum on October 28, 2016.