What is the religious and political messaging behind Khamenei’s funeral?

Funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are employing heavy religious and political symbolism to promote pro-government narratives. A week of events aims to create a sense of unity among supporters of the government that has been in power since the 1979 revolution.

The official messaging highlights Khamenei's "martyrdom" and frames mourning as a national obligation. Slogans such as "We must rise" and its Arabic equivalent "Rise for God" are prominently displayed, drawing from Quranic verses. A defining image of the ceremonies is Khamenei's clenched fist, a symbol rooted in a text message attributed to his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. The late leader had lost the use of his right arm following a 1981 assassination attempt.

Processions are weaving through cities in Iran and Iraq, embedding symbolism about Khamenei's life and Shia Islam. The use of red and black colors in the visual messaging is interpreted as combining grief, martyrdom, and a call for revenge. The Supreme National Security Council stated that the "surging sea of people" were crying out slogans of "Resistance against the enemies, and revenge for the blood of Iran’s martyred leader."

Mojtaba Khamenei is expected to remain absent from public view due to security concerns, a measure ostensibly taken to avoid assassination. A giant red flag has been unfurled over Tehran's Grand Mosalla, where farewells and prayers were held before the main funeral procession.

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This surging sea of people, now bidding farewell to and accompanying their leader in his funeral procession, is crying out two slogans: Resistance against the enemies, and revenge for the blood of Iran’s martyred leader.