Appreciating Rituals in Iran

A couple of years ago we had the opportunity to visit Iran. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. A place that made me realize again, that people are just people no matter where they live or what religion they practice.

We wandered through a mosque one afternoon just before prayer.

Piled up rugs were carried out to the open-air prayer space and unrolled.

Curtains were hung to create separate worship spaces for men and women.

Some commenced their own private ceremony while others milled about waiting for the Imam’s call. Women, children, young men, old men.

Detailed preparation and anticipation for the ceremonious affair even though it occurs five times a day.     

These memories still stir a curious admiration for this ritual, however foreign it might be. Which is probably why it stuck with me.