Sign-language procession in Najaf brings Muharram rituals to hearing-impaired community

NAJAF — In the old city center of Najaf, a unique Muharram procession on Zain Al-Abidin Street brings the story of Imam Hussein to life through sign language, enabling members of the hearing-impaired community to take part in the annual mourning rituals.

Held during the first 10 days of Muharram, the Islamic calendar’s first month, the procession features a preacher delivering religious lectures with the help of a sign language interpreter. The interpreter uses standardized signs to relay the preacher’s message, allowing participants to follow the account of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom.

Imam Hussein, son of Ali Ibn Talib and Fatima—the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad—was killed in 680 A.D. on the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura. He died in the Battle of Karbala after refusing to pledge allegiance to Umayyad Caliph Yazid ibn Muawiya. His death is viewed by Shia Muslims as a symbol of resistance to tyranny. Mourning rituals began shortly after his death, first among his female relatives and later spreading to Medina and beyond.

The procession also includes the distribution of food and water, with volunteers of all ages contributing to the effort.

“In this sacred month, the procession of the hearing-impaired in Najaf holds its annual mourning ceremony to honor the household of the Prophet, peace be upon them, offering many services from this holy place,” said Safa Jihad, a sign language interpreter.

“This gathering is held in sign language to communicate the cause of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him,” he added. “The speaker, whether a sayyid or a scholar from the seminary, delivers religious and educational sermons, and the interpreter translates them into sign language.”

Volunteer Jaafar Jabr said the work is driven by devotion. “These services offered through the procession are for the sake of reviving the rituals of the household of the Prophet, peace be upon them,” he said. “Everyone is equal here—young and old, rich and poor. All this is for Imam Hussein, because he was sincere and gave so much. We must be sincere and give back to honor this great cause.”