Speaking at the National Pilgrimage Task Force meeting held at Imam Reza shrine, Ayat. Marvi highlighted the multifaceted significance of pilgrimage.
He stated: “Pilgrimage, as a spiritual phenomenon, goes beyond worship, offering solutions to social and cultural challenges. It reduces psychological tension and fosters social tranquility, ultimately contributing to societal stability”.
AQR’s Custodian pointed to the immense number of pilgrims visiting Iran's sacred sites annually—over 30 million to Mashhad alone and 50 to 60 million nationwide.
He stressed the need for government’s further attention to pilgrimage as it directly impacts the lives and well-being of millions.
“Recognizing pilgrimage as a national priority could address other pressing issues more effectively”, he noted.
He underscored the vital role of pilgrimage in promoting the culture of Ahl al-Bayt, spreading Islamic teachings, and shaping moral and religious values.
“Strengthening pilgrimage infrastructure, particularly in Mashhad, is essential to support the growing number of pilgrims”, Ayat. Marvi stressed.
He also discussed the Seventh Development Plan's goal of attracting 15 million international pilgrims by its conclusion. “Achieving this requires enhancing facilities and infrastructure. Mashhad, hosting 30 million pilgrims yearly—80% of whom travel by personal vehicles—faces critical needs for expanded parking and public transportation”.
The custodian praised the government's successful construction of parking facilities and new courtyards in Qom. However, he emphasized that such responsibilities belong to the government, not municipalities or shrine organizations, whose role is to facilitate pilgrimage within shrine premises, not to provide transportation or build infrastructures like parking lots.