Pezeshkian faces criticism for attending religious events amid transition

The Iranian president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, has sparked controversy by spending time attending religious ceremonies, while his critics decry his lack of political planning before taking office.

In the latest occurrence within a series of his participation in Muharram mourning rituals, Pezeshkian was photographed on Tuesday alongside Esmail Qaani, the commander of the IRGC Quds Force. This event took place at a highly revered site for Shia Muslims dedicated to their Twelfth Imam.

During the lunar month of Muharram, Shia Muslims observe mourning rituals to commemorate the death of Husayn (Hussain) ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the third Shia Imam.

Critics argue that amidst the nation's multifaceted challenges, Pezeshkian has not yet crafted a comprehensive agenda for his presidency or compiled a roster of prospective cabinet members, viewing his participation in these sessions as indicative of irresponsibility.

Akbar Ganji, a political commentator and former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) residing abroad, voiced his criticism on X, stating: "Hopefully, in a few days, the mourning ceremonies will end. Otherwise, I worry that Pezeshkian might forget the presidency and go from one religious gathering to another, reciting elegies and performing eulogies."

Meanwhile, Pezeshkian has yet to hold a press conference, as his scheduled news event on the day of his election was abruptly cancelled. Media in Tehran reported at the time that the cancellation was due to a meeting with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Critics argue that while Pezeshkian has found ample time to attend religious ceremonies, he has yet to allocate time for a press conference, even after more than a week since his election.

Meanwhile different social groups voice their demands publicly, hoping to receive attention from the new chief executive. The care-taker government just announced that it will stop offering cheap US dollars for imports of more than 450 items, only focusing on essential food and medicines. This immediately raised the price of iPhones by about $250.

Reza Shafakhah, Chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Children of the National Union of Lawyers Associations, urged Pezeshkian to prioritize educating underserved children.

“Mr. Pezeshkian, once you have concluded your participation in mourning sessions, kindly direct your Ministry of Interior to identify children deprived of education per the Law on the Protection of Children and Adolescents. Moreover, please ensure collaboration with the Ministry of Education to facilitate their access to schooling, particularly as the school enrollment season approaches,” Shafakhah wrote.

The criticisms extended to ordinary citizens on social media as well. One user remarked, "Experts such as Zarif have told Pezeshkian, 'Since you have no capability to select ministers, spend these few days attending religious gatherings and mourning. We will assemble the cabinet for you...'"

The user alluded to Pezeshkian appointing former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as the head of the Strategic Council for Transition, responsible for shortlisting candidates for ministerial and vice-presidential positions in the Pezeshkian administration. Thus far, Pezeshkian has not demonstrated any active involvement in the cabinet formation process.

Meanwhile, others defended Pezeshkian, stating that since he has not taken office as president, criticisms about his attendance at religious gatherings are unfounded. They also argue that attending these religious gatherings, predominantly held at night, does not imply a lack of responsibility or preclude his meaningful political work during the day.

"Dr. Pezeshkian has not officially assumed the presidency, so technically, he is not the president yet. Is it wrong for him to attend religious gatherings? Would it be acceptable if he went to a nightclub instead? Does a president or president-elect not have the right to eat, go to a mosque, or watch a football game?" a user wrote on X.

Some defend his actions by asserting his intrinsic religiosity and adherence to tradition, suggesting there is little beyond his religious convictions driving his behavior.

However, other defenders delve deeper, suggesting that Pezeshkian employs this strategy to reconcile the divide between hardliners and non-hardliners. Pezeshkian, elected as a reform-leaning candidate, secured victory in a runoff election against hardline opponents, indicating a narrower margin of support. Some contend that he aims to appeal to a broader population segment through these actions.

In these religious ceremonies, he is quoted as saying: "All individuals are human beings, not merely those who support us; even those who do not help us are part of humanity. We contend with ideological and factional differences; adherence to truth transcends such disputes."

A user wrote on X, “For now, let Pezeshkian be. He is tending to the deep wound inflicted upon his staunch supporters by his victory.”

Thus far, Pezeshkian has exemplified his pre-election pledge of unwavering obedience to the Supreme Leader's directives. Ali Khamenei places significant emphasis on these mourning rituals, particularly the Heyat, which refers to collective mourning groups or gatherings.

A Heyat constitutes a grassroots social movement within each neighborhood. Comprised of friends, relatives, neighbors, and individuals of all ages, these groups establish their facilities, known as Tekyehs, for conducting processions and ceremonies throughout Muharram.

Khamenei also emphasizes the significance of "Maddahan" (singular "Madah"), religious singers or eulogists, who traditionally appeared prominently in mosques and during religious observances such as mourning ceremonies. In recent years, however, eulogists have gained increasing influence, expanding their role into the political sphere and frequently offering commentary on diverse topics, including enforcing hijab and societal norms.

Khamenei went as far as to define what these Maddahan do as a soft power for the Islamic Republic.

“The art of eulogizing and the entity known as the "Heyat" represents a crucial element of the soft power within Islamic society. Soft power wields greater influence and efficacy than hard power,” the Supreme Leader said in January.

“Why do the world's powerful nations, such as the United States, possessing nuclear arsenals and a plethora of advanced weaponry, nevertheless channel their most significant investments into arts, cinema, Hollywood, advertising, and similar domains?

“The rationale is that cinema embodies soft power; storytelling and filmmaking constitute soft power. These cultural mediums engender lasting influence.

“Conversely, hard power yields immediate but transient effects. Hard power entails, for instance, the United States occupying Afghanistan for two decades, expending billions, only to eventually retreat under the duress of widespread animosity.

“In contrast, soft power is epitomized by a seemingly minority group possessing profound spiritual influence, capable of captivating global attention,” he added.