Iran religious groups launch campaign for ritual sacrifices for Mojtaba Khamenei

Religious groups close to the Iranian regime have launched a campaign calling for the ritual sacrifice of 10,000 sheep to pray for the health of Mojtaba Khamenei. The initiative, described as a “nazr” (religious vow) or “qorbani” (ritual sacrifice), aims to collect approximately 2.5 trillion rials, equivalent to about $1.32 million.

The campaign is being organized by the Heyat-e Gharar religious group via the Eitaa messaging platform, with donations collected through the Hazrat Khadijeh Institute in Qom. Each animal is priced at 250 million rials (roughly $132), though donors can contribute smaller amounts toward the total cost.

Abdolkarim Abedini, a former representative of the Supreme Leader in Qazvin province, has publicly urged citizens to participate in the campaign to support Khamenei and to oppose what he termed the “Zionist-American enemy.” The initiative has faced criticism from some Iranian citizens who point to the country's severe economic hardships and rising food prices.