Hawzah News Agency- Under the auspices of the Deputy Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs of Astan Quds Razavi, a special ceremony was held to mark the New Year for American Shia Muslims at Imam Reza shrine.

The ceremony, which was part of the large Quranic event “Fi Rohab al-Quran,” literally meaning “in the bosom of the Quran”, took place at 9 PM on New Year’s Eve in Melal Portico of Imam Reza shrine, attended by 50 American Shia pilgrims.

Speaking in the event, Hujjat al-Islam Seyed Saleh Ghazvini, an international preacher and religious expert, emphasized the importance of visiting the graves of the Imams, stating, “Pilgrimage is an opportunity for proximity to God and connecting oneself with these revered figures”.

He stressed the necessity of unity among Muslims and the Islamic community, highlighting that visiting Imam Reza’s shrine and making this pilgrimage showcases the solidarity and union of Shia Muslims worldwide.

"It is also an opportunity to learn about Islamic teachings and the history of the Ahl al-Bayt, especially the lifestyle and practices of Imam Reza”, he added.

Ghazvini also addressed the spread of misconceptions by adversaries in today’s world noting that “The best way to combat these challenges is to increase awareness and knowledge”.

He emphasized that enhancing one’s knowledge safeguards the person against the adversary’s misconceptions.

According to Hujjat al-Islam Ghazvini, pilgrimage is a spiritual opportunity for growth and flourishing. “After the pilgrimage, pilgrims should act with greater faith in religious and ethical teachings, as the fruit of pilgrimage shall be positive changes in the individual’s personal and social life.”

Other programs in the ceremony included tours of the shrine, visits to Imam Reza shrine museums, and screening of a documentary about Imam Reza shrine.