Explainer: What Does Nazri Mean in Religious Beliefs?
Nazri is a general term used for literally everything that is given away freely by one person or a group of people, most often on religious occasions and for religious reasons.
Nazri is a votive offering, some decide to give away the free stuff to the less fortunate, for example, they offer clothes to poor people who cannot afford to buy new clothes, most of the time on condition of animosity to avoid hurting their self-esteem.
Some others decide to do volunteer works at hospitals or homes for the less fortunate.
But one of the most popular types of Nazri is distributing different types of food stuff, drinks, fruits, etc. among the public.
This could happen at any time of the year and the food stuff can be distributed solely among the disadvantaged or anyone regardless of their social and economic situation.
The mourning holy month of Muharram is known famously as the time when people distribute Nazri, however, there are other religious occasions, including the birth and martyrdom anniversary of Shia Imams, when people also distribute free food to commemorate the occasions.
Nonetheless, the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, when the third Shia Imam and his most loyal followers were martyred by their contemporary dictator, and illegitimate ruler Yazid I in 680 AD Battle of Karbala, marks one of the most significant religious occasions when people choose to make the offering.
The food is usually cooked in very big copper pots in great quantities. People usually do not get paid for cooking or preparing Nazri food stuff or drinks because they would also like to have a part in its preparation for its merit.
Therefore, one does not have to be necessarily too rich to pay for the whole thing, some chip in and only pay a small amount of the money needed for preparing Nazri. Others do volunteer works for preparation and distribution of the food for its spiritual award.
Usually after taking part in mourning ceremonies either in mosques or other congregational halls, the mourners are offered the free food stuff.
However, those in charge of distributing Nazri food may show up at neighbors’ houses and offer them the food.
Khoresh Gheymeh, beef and yellow split pea stew usually served with pan fried potatoes and rice, is one of the most popular Nazri dishes distributed among mourners on the occasion of Muharram.
Another popular Nazri food is Khoresh Ghomeh-Sabzi. It is also a stew made with fresh herbs, kidney beans and beef. It is served with rice as well.
Adas-polo, rice and lentil served alternatively with pan fried ground meat, fried onions and/or fried raisins, is another dish served as Nazri.
Various drinks are also served. Due to the adherence to the lunar calendar, Muharram can fall on different seasons throughout the years.
During hot seasons people usually distribute cold drinks like fruit juice or homemade syrups among mourners. In cold seasons warm drinks like tea and hot milk are served.
Nazri food is considered a blessed food and many people believe that eating it, even just a bite, will bring them good fortune.
Imam Hussein (AS) and his loyal family members and companions fought bravely for justice and freedom. He was a champion of the oppressed. Any forms of Nazri, be it food, volunteer service, etc. is a way of expressing solidarity with Imam Hussein (AS) and his grand ambitions for a better world where oppressors are doomed to fail.
By Maryam Qarehgozlou
