Iranian Insurgent Shi’ite Muslim Martyr’s Headband – Black

Since the Death of Muhammed in 632 A.D., there have been two branches of Islam. The Sunni and the Shia. They have fought against one another for centuries and have worn Martyr headbands as a way to publicly display their willingness or even eagerness to martyr themselves for their religion. This ancient practice continues to today.

This particular headband is Iranian made, probably in the 1980s. It came with some Iranian items many year ago; some of which we are offering here.

There are no labels. We suspect that long bolts of cloth were rolled through a coloring screen and were cut to length afterward.

This very type of hand band was worn on the outside of Iranian helmets or around the head. Shi'ite Insurgents in Iraq during OIF also wore this same headband as they were supplied then and now by Iran. It is a current issue item for issue to all Shia fighters including suicide bombers.

They are said to give the wearer the safe passage to heaven if killed during battle. This practice is similar to the 1000 stitch “sennibari” belts worn by the Japanese in WWII of the Bhuddist amulets encased in plastic that were placed in mouths of the NVA and VC during the Vietnam War.

The band's background color has some significance which we are currently researching. The words say “The Innocent, The Martyr.” The is virtually no place in the Middle East where these are not worn in battle or on parade.

This type of headband has a very significant meaning is Islam and really adds to a display whether you are doing an Iranian soldier impression or an Insurgent by the many armies in the Middle East.

These are either tied behind the head or helmet or secured with a safety pin.