“We are among our true brothers today, and we believe you are from this land”, said Hoj Faqih Esfandyari, Deputy for International Affairs, in a ceremony marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza in Sheikh Tousi Hall of the shrine on September 16.  

Hoj Faqih Esfandyari expressed honor for serving Imam Reza shrine pilgrims during the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s demise and the martyrdom anniversaries of Imam Hassan and Imam Reza, saying, “We have hosted some 8 million pilgrims from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan during this period”.

He noted that in addition to appreciating the hard work of Mukib holders in provision of services to Arbaeen pilgrims, examining the weaknesses and strengths of such endeavors was another objective of the ceremony. “Without a doubt, the two countries of Iran and Iraq need more coordination and joint planning during the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala and Imam Reza’s martyrdom anniversary in Mashhad (northeastern Iran)”.

Elsewhere in the event, the caretaker of Imam Reza Shrine’s Deputy Office of Pilgrim Services said: “We have seen that non-Iranian Mukibs, especially from Iraq, are providing services to pilgrims during Imam Reza’s martyrdom anniversary in Mashhad. This reveals two concepts”.

“These Mukibs embody Arbaeen pilgrimage for those who made it to Karbala on foot; the most significant message of these Mukibs in Mashhad is the profound connection between Iranians and their Iraqi brothers”, added Mohammad Shaban.