New clerics given their turbans in special ceremonies marking Eid al-Maba’th

Rasa - On the occasion of the auspicious holiday of Ma’bath several groups of seminarians have attended special ceremonies and had their turbans placed upon their heads and given permission to wear the sacred clerical uniform in special ceremonies held at the offices, homes and schools of various sources of emulation in the holy city of Qom.

News ID: 892

Date: 27 May 2014 - 19:21

Rasa News Agency reports - On the occasion of the auspicious holiday of Ma’bath several groups of seminarians have attended special ceremonies and had their turbans placed upon their heads and given permission to wear the sacred clerical uniform in special ceremonies held at the offices, homes and schools of various sources of emulation in the holy city of Qom.

Eid al-Maba’th celebrates the historical day when the first revelations were sent to the Prophet Muhammad (S), and thus marks the beginning of his prophetic mission to propagate the religion of Islam to mankind. This joyful holiday falls on the 27th day of the lunar month of Rajab.

The turban-bestowing ceremony by the sources of emulation is a religious tradition which is often celebrated on the joyous holy days of the Islamic calendar. It is similar to a graduation ceremony, but instead of graduation caps and gowns, the new clerics have their turban placed on their head and the permission to wear the sacred clerical uniform as they serve the people in their religious needs.

Shi’ah clergy wear a white or black turban, a special ankle-length coat called a qaba, with an aba, a loose, sleeveless cloak, which open in front worn over the qaba. The black turban is only worn by a cleric who is a sayyed, someone descended from the Prophet Muhammad (S). This uniform is considered an honour to wear by the clerics and is only given after several years of seminary studies. It comes with heavy responsibilities and it an honour which is not taken lightly.

At the office of Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi-Golpaygani, more than twenty students had their turbans placed on their heads by the grand source of emulation and given permission to wear the sacred clerical uniform. Similar ceremonies were held at Madrassah Amir al-Momenin (A) in the presence of Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi; another group were given their turbans in a ceremony held at the home of Ayatollah Hosein Nouri-Hamadani; and 36 seminarians from al-Isra Organization were given their turbans by Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi-Amoli.

Also at these ceremonies, the sources of emulation gave advice and words of guidance to the new clerics and prayed for them to serve and guide the people on the path of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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