The Most Recent Methods of Martyrs' Veneration in Daily Life; An Investigation of Iran Street of Tehran

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jisr.2025.393719.1614

Abstract

Martyrdom is a central concept in Islamic teachings, which in post-revolutionary Iran has undergone significant reinterpretation. Individuals who lost their lives in defense of the Islamic Republic are also regarded as martyrs in contemporary discourse, in addition to those who perished in armed conflicts. Traditionally, this veneration was derived from their superior spiritual status in the eyes of God. However, novel manifestations have emerged, such as the widespread practice of requesting intercession and blessings through martyrs and the construction of shrine-like graves, particularly among religious families.
This study utilizes purposive sampling and a phenomenological approach to investigate the perceptions of martyrdom among religious families residing in Iran Street, Tehran, as informed by the theories of Peter Berger and Danièle Hervieu-Léger. Families of various ages, including both martyr and non-martyr households, comprise the participants.
The findings reveal that martyr families prioritize the martyr’s sincerity and consider war martyrs as having a higher spiritual value. In contrast, non-martyr families emphasize personal virtues, such as devotion to the Supreme Leader and self-discipline, without distinguishing between distinct categories of martyrdom. Intercession through martyrs is a practice that is frequently observed and considered religiously genuine. Participants address their daily needs to martyrs, while simultaneously seeking spiritual or eschatological guidance from the Imams. This distinction exemplifies a stratified sacred cosmology in which martyrs serve as accessible intermediaries, thereby enabling divine proximity in daily life.

Keywords

References

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Social Studies and Research in Iran
Volume 14, Issue 3 - Serial Number 56
September 2025
Pages 491-507

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