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The act of purification in the waters of the Euphrates is one of the ceremonies of the pilgrimage to the tomb of Husayn b. 'Ali1 (killed in 61/680) in Karbala',2 in particular on the Day of 'Ashura',3 but also on other holidays4 and even on regular weekdays. This act of purification in the river is the most important part of the pilgrimage ceremony, one that is performed by every visitor to Husayn b. 'Ali's tomb, in imitation of the Shi'i Imams and in response to their preachings, in particular those of the sixth Imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq5 (d. 148/765). The believers maintain that this immersion is conductive to health and purity, in addition to other virtues to be discussed below.
Many pilgrims to Husayn's tomb put water from the Euphrates into flasks they have brought with them, and take it back to their homes in far-away lands as a remedy for illnesses of every kind and a charm that is sure to bring success and longevity. Some pour the water over their fields and orchards in order to bless them. Others used to sprinkle the water on their camels and/or horses on their way to and from the tomb.
In this paper I shall attempt to delineate the essence, the sources and the developmental stages of this cult among Imami Shi'is, which has become the main ceremony among the pilgrimage rites connected with Husayn's tomb.
Water in Other Religions
The Shi'i cult of the waters of the Euphrates is one of the many forms that the sanctification of water and of water sources takes in various religions around the world, pagan as well as monotheistic. The reason for this is that sources of water (springs, rivers, bountiful rain) are perceived as what makes life possible and thus as expressing eternity, longevity, creative energy, renovation, physical and spiritual purification, fertility, and the renewal of life.6 The adoration that the Euphrates River has received, and the sanctity ascribed to it, should therefore come as no surprise.
In pagan religions the god is described as hovering over the water that gives birth to both gods and men.7 And as mentioned above, water plays an important role in the monotheistic religions as well. Thus in the Biblical story of the...