Shia Muslims too celebrate Navroze

MUMBAI: Not many know, besides Iranians and Parsis, Shia Muslims too celebrate Navroze. On Saturday, Shias welcomed the day with prayers and niyaz (special prayer followed by distribution of sweets).
“I woke up at 4am on Friday and prayed. Navroze is mostly associated with Parsis and Iranians but we Shias too celebrate it,” said Mohib Ali Nasser, former president, Khoja Shia Isna Ashari Jamaat.Shia scholars maintain that Navroze is more a cultural than religious event for the Shias. “Navroze is a pre-Islamic tradition and is not a religious function for the Shias as religious scriptures don’t ask us to celebrate this day as first day of the year. However, it has been part of our culture,” said Allama Syed Mohammed Musawi, London-based senior Shia scholar and president of World Ahlul Bait Islamic League.
“Shias distribute sweets among friends to mark the day,” said senior Shia scholar Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi.