Shia world prepares to mark martyrdom anniversary of Imam Javad

In Karbala, the holy shrine of Hazrat Abbas (AS), half-brother to Imam Hussein (AS) is clad in black as pilgrims flock to the holy site to attend the mourning ceremonies to mark the martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Shia Imam, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

The holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), eighth Shia Imam, in Iran’s city of Mashhad, has scheduled to hold mourning and prayer ceremonies for the Iranian and also international pilgrims arriving from different countries.
Clerics will be delivering religious sermons on the high character and lifestyle of Imam Javad (AS) and eulogists will perform as part of the mourning ceremonies.

Charity works will also be carried out on the sideline of the ceremonies as is the tradition to share relief aid for those in need at any celebration of commemoration ceremony.

Also, in Iran’s holy city of Qom, a candle lit vigil has been scheduled at the holy shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (AS).

Mosques will also commemorate the occasion usually before or after the congregational prayers attended by the public.

Imam Javad (AS) was the ninth of the twelve Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). The youngest Shia Imam at the time of his martyrdom, Imam Javad (AS) was Imam for 17 years. He was buried in the Iraqi city of Kadhimiya beside his grandfather Imam Musa ibn Jafar.