Ali Khamenei's Funeral in Iran Postponed Until After Ashura

It has been announced that the funeral of Iran's former religious leader Ali Khamenei will be held after the first 10 days of Muharram. A three-day farewell program is planned in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, although no exact date has been set for the ceremony.

Scraper SystemJune 09, 2026, 02:18 PM

Ali Khamenei's Funeral in Iran Postponed Until After Ashura

The funeral of Iran's former religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is scheduled to take place after the first 10 days of Muharram, coinciding with the period following Ashura. The funeral committee has not announced a specific date or time for the ceremony.

The committee's statement indicated that the burial will occur after the first 10 days of the Muharram month. According to the Islamic calendar, Muharram begins early next week, and Ashura, the 10th day, is expected to fall towards the end of the month, on June 25 or 26.

Preparations Underway in Three Cities for the Ceremony

Iranian officials had previously announced plans for a large-scale funeral program for the former religious leader. Tehran's Deputy Mayor, Mohammad Amin Tavakolizadeh, stated earlier this month that public three-day farewell and funeral ceremonies would be held.

Tavakolizadeh noted that the events will take place in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad. He mentioned that the procession in Tehran is expected to last at least 24 hours, with preparations ongoing to provide services for attendees.

The official also emphasized that neighboring provinces and districts along the route should be prepared for large crowds. It is anticipated that millions of people will participate in or watch the ceremonies and the procession route.

Khamenei's Death Occurred in the Early Days of the War

The report stated that Khamenei was killed on February 28 in an official residence in Tehran during a US-Israeli attack. It also mentioned that following this attack, described as one of the first salvoes of the war, his son Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded him.

It was noted that Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since that time and there is widespread speculation that he may have been injured in the attacks. However, no new official statement was provided on this matter.

The Symbolic Significance of Ashura

Postponing the burial until after Ashura aligns with the religious mourning atmosphere in Iran. Ashura is known as an important day of mourning commemorating the death of Imam Hussein ibn Ali near Karbala.

It was reminded that Imam Hussein and his brother Imam Abbas are buried in golden-domed shrines located in Karbala, within present-day Iraq. Holding the funeral after these symbolic days enhances the religious and social significance of the ceremony.

Ali Khamenei's Funeral in Iran Postponed Until After Ashura