Imam Reza Shrine Announces Muharram Programs for International Pilgrims

IQNA – Astan Quds Razavi has unveiled its special plans for non-Iranian pilgrims during the first ten days of Muharram at the Imam Reza (AS) Shrine in Mashhad.

Mehdi Lasani, Director of International Pilgrims Affairs at Astan Quds Razavi, told IQNA that the shrine will host a series of religious events from June 27 to July 6, 2025 (coinciding with Muharram 1–10, 1447 AH).

The programs are designed to engage international visitors in commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions.

“These programs include mourning ceremonies led by religious groups from countries such as India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Arab states of the Persian Gulf,” Lasani said. “Activities will center around sermons, elegies, and recitations held in the sacred courtyards of the shrine.”

He emphasized that the ceremonies are meant to foster a deeper spiritual connection among international pilgrims. “This spiritual gathering offers an opportunity to strengthen the heartfelt bond between international visitors and the culture of Ashura within Imam Reza (AS) shrine,” he said.

Highlighting specific events, Lasani noted that international mourning processions will be held in the Quds Courtyard on the third night of Muharram (June 29).

He also announced that special programs for Urdu-speaking pilgrims will take place daily from June 27 to July 6 in the Ghadir Hall, featuring prominent speakers and elegy reciters. A dedicated program to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Sajjad (AS) will also be organized in the same hall on July 7, 8, 20, and 21.

In addition, Arabic-speaking pilgrims will participate in events beginning on the first night of Muharram, also in Ghadir Courtyard.

These include a flag-changing ceremony, religious talks, and Du’a Kumayl, all aimed at “preserving the message of Ashura, spreading the teachings of Imam Hussein (AS), and strengthening the connection of international pilgrims with the school of Ahl al-Bayt (AS),” according to Lasani.

Shia Muslims, and others around the world, commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) every year during Muharram.

The third Shia Imam (AS) and a group of his family and companions were martyred in Karbala on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura), 680 AD, by the army of Yazid bin Muawiya.

This year Ashura will be observed on Sunday July 6.

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