Iraq Mobilizes Resources for Millions of Pilgrims Commemorating 7th Shia Imam

IQNA – More than 6,000 service stations, known as moukebs, are providing medical care, food, water, and shelter to millions of pilgrims heading to the city of Kadhimiya for the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Kadhim (AS). 

Pilgrims from various provinces across Iraq are traveling to Kadhimiya to mark the 25th of Rajab, the anniversary of the martyrdom of the revered Shia Imam, according to Al-Furat News.

In anticipation of the massive influx of visitors, Iraq's Ministry of Interior has implemented a comprehensive security plan.

In a statement, the Ministry announced, “This security plan involves the coordinated efforts of the Ministries of Defense and Interior, the Popular Mobilization Forces (Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi), and intelligence agencies to ensure the safety of pilgrims.” 

Over 6,000 moukebs are operating along key pilgrimage routes, offering essential services such as medical care, food, water, and accommodations. 

The Iraqi Council of Ministers has declared Sunday as an official public holiday in Baghdad, with other provinces following suit to facilitate participation in the religious observance. 

The Ministry of Transportation has also launched efforts to support the movement of pilgrims. On Friday, Ahmed al-Moussawi, Director General of Iraq’s Private Transportation Company, confirmed that 25,000 private vehicles have been allocated for transporting pilgrims in Baghdad. 

Additionally, Karim Kazem Hussein, Director General of Passengers and Delegations, announced an increase in buses participating in the transportation effort. "Currently, more than 250 buses are in operation, and this number will increase to 350 at the peak of the pilgrimage,” he stated. 

Meanwhile, Iraq Railways has devised a special plan to facilitate pilgrim transportation. According to Jabbar al-Jubouri, Director General of Iraq Railways, “Under the direction of Razzaq Muhibis Al-Saadawi, Minister of Transport, the railways have established three routes to support the movement of pilgrims to Imam Kadhim’s (AS) shrine.” 

The commemoration of Imam Kadhim’s (AS) martyrdom is a significant event in Iraq’s Shia tradition, drawing millions of pilgrims to Kadhimiya every year.

The 7th Imam was poisoned and martyred on Rajab 25, 183 (September 5, 799 AD) in the prison of Baghdad.

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