Tears of the Ummah – A History of Shia Azadari from Karbala to the Modern World

Tears of the Ummah is a narrative history of azadari, the Shia tradition of mourning Imam Husayn, from the aftermath of Karbala in 61 AH/680 CE to the present day. Dr. Saiyed Ali Al-Razavi writes both for readers new to Islamic history and for those raised in the majlis, explaining what mourners do and why the practice has lasted.

Twelve chapters move from the event itself and the earliest gatherings through the public turn under the Buyids, the Safavid period and the traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Later chapters cover matam and the debate over tatbir, colonial and modern pressures, the Iranian Revolution and the post-2003 revival of mourning and Arbaeen in Iraq, azadari in diaspora communities, mourning as lived theology, and the effect of livestreaming and social media. A glossary explains terms from majlis and taziya to zarih.

It suits general readers, students and community educators. Part of the author's Living Shia Tradition series, 2026.