Religious Events: Ruling on Body Piercing with Weights in Ashura Commemorations

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Religious Events: Ruling on Body Piercing with Weights in Ashura Commemorations

English:

Question #1440:

Is there any basis in religion for piercing one’s body with weights dangling therefrom, all in the name of commemorating the martyrdom of the Imam Ḥusayn (a.s.)?

Answer #1440:

These acts, which are, inevitably, bound to portray our school of thought in a negative shade, are impermissible.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Religious Events