A thesis submitted to the Graduate Studies Offices In particle fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Shiite Studies

Through seventh to ninth centuries, while sharing common beliefs, tenets and rituals with other Muslims of the world, Iranian Shi’ites had differences from their non- Shi’ite coreligionists as well. One of these distinctive differences was their specific attitudes towards the position of Ahlul-Bayt (p.b.u.t.). In this regard, the event of Ashura and the history of Imam Hussain (p.b.u.h.) turned to be particularly important for them, and they focused on the sufferings and agonies of Shi’a Imams specially those of Imam Hussain (p.b.u.h.) and his companions in Karbala. Henceforth, lamenting gatherings achieved an extraordinary prominance. Shi’ite circles’ endeavoures continued alongwith the non – shi’ite rules till the reign of mongols over Iran, and due to the spread of shi’ite thoughts, lamentation gatherings expanded even more widely. Mongols were not sensitive to religious diversities, hence the policy of tolernce for other religions. Shi’ites best used the opportunity and the ongoing religious freedom to establish the lamentation gatherings so as to promote, settle and spread the story of Karbala. So the Mongols approved of Iranian rituals, embraced Islam and Shi’ism, and started participating the lamentation gatherings during the first decade of Muharram and the Day of Ashura. The present research, using discriptive analysis and library studies, is to show how, through the seventh to the ninth centuries, traditions and activities of Ashura as well as lamentation for Imam Hussain (p.b.u.h.) and his companions were held in the ground of  Iranian culture, and which groups were active in this field. Also it seeks the conclusion of their activities regarding the changes of Ashura traditions.