The servants of Imam Reza shrine facilitated the release of prisoners convicted of unintentional offenses during the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (1st Shia Imam). These initiatives, marked by heartfelt moments and community support, aimed to reunite prisoners with their families.
On the eve of Imam Ali's birthday, under the auspices of Imam Reza shrine and with the support of the National Debt Relief Committee, 88 prisoners were released.
Mostafa Fayzi, the Deputy Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, highlighted that these efforts have been ongoing since 2021, with various campaigns mobilizing public and donor support.
“The recent campaign led to the release of prisoners from Khorasan Razavi and nine other provinces, bringing the total number of released prisoners to over 1,000, including female heads of households”, he added.
The initiative dubbed ‘Zamen Ahoo’ (a nickname given to Imam Reza, literally meaning The Guarantor of the Deer) saw the servants of the shrine, dressed in their service attire, negotiating with plaintiffs to secure forgiveness for financial and unintentional criminal cases. The event underscored the importance of compassion and support within the community.
In a touching ceremony at Ghadir Portico of the shrine, 33 prisoners were unexpectedly reunited with their families. The event, marked by emotional reunions and expressions of gratitude, highlighted the shrine's commitment to social justice and family reunification. Families, unaware of the impending release, were overjoyed as they were reunited with their loved ones in the sacred atmosphere of the shrine.
Since 2021, Karamt Razavi Foundation has played a pivotal role in these efforts, securing the release of 1,010 prisoners with the help of generous donors and dedicated volunteers.
Mohammad Hossein Ostadaqha, the foundation's director, emphasized the significance of these efforts, which have mobilized over $134k for the cause. The foundation's operations include direct negotiations with plaintiffs, often resulting in forgiveness in the name of Imam Reza.
These initiatives reflect the shrine's dedication to humanitarian efforts and the well-being of the community, ensuring that those in need receive support and a chance at a fresh start.