Imam Reza shrine to serve Arbaeen pilgrims en route to Karbala

Ahmad Mirzadeh, the secretary of the Arabaeen headquarters in Karamat Razavi Foundation, said the holy shrine of the eighth Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) will host pilgrims from across the country both in Iran and inside Iraqi soil, Taqrib News Agency (TNA) has quoted Astan News as saying.

He said the services will be given to pilgrims at Iran’s eastern border with Pakistan and Afghanistan, inside Iranian soil, at the county’s western borders with Iraq and also en route to the holy city of Karbala in the Iraqi territory.

Millions of Arbaeen pilgrims from Iran’s eastern neighbors head for the holy city of Karbala via Iran.

Secretary of Arbaeen Headquarters further noted: “Capacities have been identified both inside and outside of the country before programming for more deserving services for the pilgrims of Imam Hossein (AS)”.

As a tradition during Muharram mourning ceremonies, people set up Mukibs or pilgrim service stations that provide the pilgrims with their necessary demands during the pilgrimage. The services range from free food and water to accommodation, internet and mobile services to laundry and medical treatment.

Pilgrims from across the globe head for the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) to attend the annual Ashura ceremonies that marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.

40^th day after the martyrdom of the third Shia Imam is also commemorated in massive procession known as Arbaeen.

Many centers, companies, mosques or people from all walks of life long for the occasion to provide any services within their means as a sign of their loyalty to Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions who sacrificed their lives fighting the tyrant ruler of the time Yazid ibn Muawiyah in the Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D.