-
Imam Reza Shrine replaces black flag as mourning period ends
On August 27, coinciding with the 3rd day of Rabi al-Awwal—the 3rd month on the lunar Islamic calendar—the black mourning flag atop the dome of Imam Reza Shrine was replaced in a spiritual ceremony marking the end of the two-month mourning period of Muharram and Safar.
-
Broken whispers, tearful farewell at Imam Reza Shrine on ‘Sham-e-Ghariban’
Pilgrims mourn Imam Reza’s martyrdom anniversary with candlelight, elegies, and heartfelt devotion in his shrine in Mashhad, northeast Iran.
-
Sham-e-Ghariban commemorates Imam Reza’s martyrdom anniv. in Mashhad
On the evening of August 24, the Sham-e-Ghariban (Night of Strangers) ceremony was held at Imam Reza Shrine to mark the night of mourning following the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza. The event coincided with the 30th of Safar, the second month on the lunar Islamic calendar.The ceremony was attended by the Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, along with a large number of shrine servants, pilgrims, and local residents. Participants gathered in solemn reflection around the illuminated courtyard, paying tribute to the 8th Shia Imam through candlelight, elegies, and heartfelt prayers.
-
Noghan women hold traditional mourning march on Imam Reza’s martyrdom anniv.
On Sunday, August 24, women from the historic Noghan neighborhood of Mashhad held a symbolic mourning procession to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza. The event, known as the “Bejay-e Madar” (In Place of the Mother) march, began at Imam Reza Mosque on Noghan Street and concluded at Imam Reza Shrine.
-
Traditional mourning rituals of Iran’s ethnic groups held at shrine's Hussainiya
The Hussainiya at Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad is currently hosting nightly traditional mourning ceremonies performed by ethnic groups from various provinces across Iran. These events, held during the final days of the lunar month of Safar, commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza and reflect rich cultural diversity of Shia mourning practices.
-
Children’s Hussainiya at Imam Reza Shrine hosts special programs during final days of Safar
The Children’s Hussainiya of Imam Reza Shrine, located at the historical Kheyratkhan School, is hosting nightly programs dedicated to young pilgrims during the final ten days of the lunar month of Safar. The events run from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. and feature age-appropriate religious and cultural activities designed to familiarize children with the teachings of Ahl al-Bayt and the spirit of Muharram and Safar.
-
Judiciary Chief visits Mukibs around Imam Reza Shrine
On Sunday, August 24, Iran’s Judiciary Chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, visited the Mukibs - pilgrim service stations - surrounding Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad. His visit coincided with the final days of Safar, a period marked by large-scale mourning and pilgrimage in honor of Imam Reza’s martyrdom anniversary.
-
Martyrs’ portraits transform Mukibs, revive spirit of sacrifice
Four major pilgrims’ service stations – Mukibs – in Mashhad, northeast Iran, named after martyrs of 12-day war, honoring their legacy during the days marking Imam Reza’s martyrdom anniversary.
-
Imam Reza’s school of thought rooted in Imamate, ethics, unity: Custodian
Ayat. Ahmad Marvi, the Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi (AQR) says the national unity formed after the Zionist regime’s attack is a sacred achievement built on the blood of thousands of martyrs, emphasizing that Imam Reza’s school of thought is rooted in Imamate, ethics, and solidarity.
-
1st Intl. AI-based Razavi illustration contest holds exhibit
An exhibition showcasing the works from the first International Razavi illustration competition using artificial intelligence has been set up in the entrance hall of Dar al-Rahmah Portico of Imam Reza Shrine. The event aims to promote and develop modern art of AI-based illustration, while deepening understanding and spreading the culture and teachings of Imam Reza.
-
Imam Javad Mukib serves pilgrims walking to Imam Reza Shrine
Imam Javad Mukib has been established along the Neyshabur–Mashhad pilgrimage route to serve pilgrims heading on foot toward Imam Reza Shrine during the final days of Safar. Organized under the auspices of the shrine’s security staff, the Mukib offers essential services such as food, water, rest areas, and religious guidance to travelers making the spiritual journey.
-
Imam Reza Mukib offers lodging, care, and meals to pilgrims in shrine’s parking area
The Imam Reza Mukib has been established in Parking Lot No. 1 of Imam Reza Shrine to provide essential services to pilgrims during the final days of Safar. Under the auspices of the Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, the Mukib offers lodging, medical care, food, and refreshments to visitors arriving for the mourning ceremonies.
-
Service Mukibs set up around Imam Reza Shrine for Safar pilgrims
During the final days of Safar and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza, Astan Quds Razavi has organized widespread service Mukibs around Imam Reza Shrine with active public participation. These Mukibs aim to ensure comfort and convenience for millions of pilgrims arriving in Mashhad, offering lodging, food, medical aid, and spiritual support.
-
Top health officials visit Dar al-Shafa at Imam Reza Shrine
Dr. Jafar Mi’adfar, head of Iran’s National Emergency Organization, and Hossein-Ali Shahriari, chairman of the parliamentary Health Commission, visited Dar al-Shafa health clinic at Imam Reza Shrine on August 23 to assess healthcare services provided to pilgrims.
-
Turkish, Azeri pilgrims welcomed at Imam Reza Shrine
Pilgrimage caravans from Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan were honored in a joint ceremony at Imam Reza Shrine during the final days of Safar.
-
Chaharpayeh-khani ceremony commemorates anniversaries Prophet’s demise, Imam Hassan’s martyrdom
A traditional mourning dubbed ‘Chaharpayeh-khani’ ritual was held in Prophet Muhammad Courtyard of Imam Reza Shrine on August 22. Chaharpayeh-khani is a traditional Shia mourning ritual where elegies are recited from elevated platforms to honor the martyrdom of revered Islamic figures.
-
Conference at Imam Reza Shrine honors Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
A conference titled “Prophet Muhammad: Epitome of Ummah's Unity and Strength” was held at Imam Reza Shrine, with Ayat. Ahmad Marvi, the Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), and some Sunni scholars in attendance. The event took place in Quds Hall on August 21.
-
Turkish pilgrims visit Imam Reza shrine
A group of Shia pilgrims from Turkey visited Imam Reza shrine during their journey to Mashhad under the auspices of the Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims' Affairs.
-
Kazakh pilgrims visit Imam Reza Shrine
Under the aegis of the Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs, a group of Shia pilgrims from Republic of Kazakhstan, visited Imam Reza Shrine during their trip to Mashhad.
-
Preparations underway for service tents in Mashhad during final days of Safar
As the final days of Safar and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza approach, Astan Quds Razavi has set up extensive service tents around Imam Reza Shrine, thanks to public participation, to ensure comfort and convenience for pilgrims.
-
‘Angels of Resistance’ program held at Imam Reza shrine
A special Quranic event titled ‘Angels of Resistance’ was held in memory of children and mothers affected by the twelve-day war between Iran and the Zionist regime. Organized by the Quranic Affairs Center of Astan Quds Razavi, the ceremony took place in Imam Khomeini Portico of the shrine, with three thousand children from Mahd al-Reza in attendance.
-
Imam Reza Shrine hosts special programs for non-Iranian pilgrims during final days of Safar
Events honoring martyrdom anniversaries of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Hassan, and Imam Reza are scheduled in Imam Reza Shrine under the auspices of Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), the body in charge of the management and maintenance of the shrine.
-
Special programs launched to host millions of pilgrims at Imam Reza Shrine
Extensive cultural, service, and promotional plans underway during final days of Safar to host some seven million pilgrims at Imam Reza Shrine, in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad.
-
Black inscriptions cover sacred spaces of Imam Reza Shrine
As the final ten days of Safar begin, approaching martyrdom anniversaries of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Hassan, and Imam Reza, the courtyards and halls of Imam Reza Shrine have been draped in black and decorated with black banners.
-
Imam Reza Shrine displays Intl. “Mehr-e-Muharram” festival’s selected photos
Coinciding with the final days of the month of Safar, the exhibition of selected photographs from the international “Mehr-e-Muharram” (Muharram Affection) mourning festival was inaugurated at the gallery of Imam Reza Shrine Museum. The opening ceremony was held at the Museum’s gallery, with Dr. Abdolhamid Talebi, head of the Scientific and Cultural Organization of Astan Quds Razavi, Hoj. Seyyed Jalal Hosseini, head of the Organization of Libraries, Museums, and Documents Center, Seyyed Rasoul Mousavinezhadian, director general of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Semnan Province, along with a group of officials, experts from these institutions, and art enthusiasts in attendance.
-
Mahdi Qoli Khan Qaraei endowment; 158 years of ongoing service
Mahdi Qoli Khan Qaraei endowment has continuously given service to pilgrims and mourners of Imam Reza Shrine during Muharram and Safar for 158 years now.
-
Arbaeen Mourning Ceremony Held at Imam Reza Shrine
The Arbaeen mourning ceremony, featuring a speech by Ayat. Seyyed Ahmad Alamolhoda—Representative of the Leader and Friday Prayer Leader of Mashhad—was held on August 14 at Imam Khomeini Portico of the shrine.
-
QR collaborates with Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center
On Tuesday, August 12, a delegation from Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center visited Imam Reza Shrine and toured various departments of Astan Quds Razavi’s Libraries, Museums and Documents Organization during their trip to Mashhad, northeast Iran.
-
Imam Reza Shrine servants visit shrine of Imam Ali
A group of servants from Imam Reza Shrine, who traveled to Iraq to honor Arbaeen service caravans, met and held talks with Haidar Issawi, head of the Arbaeen working group at the shrine of Imam Ali - 1st Shia Imam.
-
AQR's Custodian joins Arbaeen pilgrimage route
Ayat. Ahmad Marvi, the Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, attended the Arbaeen pilgrimage, appreciating the efforts of service caravans along the Najaf–Karbala route.