These photographs show ‘Ahya’ an Islamic Shia Muslim a religious ceremony. The belief that Imam Ali the first Shia Imam was injured while praying and consequently died three days later. This ceremony has another important dimension. That is historically this period falls on a date when the holly Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

The photographs demonstrate a number of significant issues:

1. These are totally female dominated gathering. In this sense these gathering are empowering for women because this is their space without the presence of men.

2. Women gather together not just for spiritual reasons, but for personal communal reasons. They express grief not just for religious reasons but also for their own satisfaction.

3. These gathering are sacred. No photography is allowed. However one woman (the host and the leader of the group) allowed the photographer to take these snapshots.

4. In these ceremonies women bring food (sugar, water, sweet & etc.) to be blessed. They then use these food items, especially for sick people as they believe the blessed items make them feel better.

5. This ceremony takes place overnight; it means women stay together away from their men folk. This is significant because this is a space between women and the GOD and no man allowed to enter this space.