Hawzah News Agency - Imam Ridha (a) shrine is a haven for every pilgrim visiting with the intention of paying homage to the Imam Ridha (a), known as the Imam of Kindness. Pilgrims from afar and other Islamic countries often visit this luminous shrine. The Deputy Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs offers diverse services to these visitors. Here is an overview of the various cultural services provided to non-Iranian pilgrims at Imam Ridha (a) shrine since the beginning of the year.

Special Programs for Ramadan

With the coincidence of Nowruz, marking the beginning of Iranian New Year, with the holy month of Ramadan, special programs for non-Iranian pilgrims began with the traditional ceremony ‘Hal Hilalak Ya Ramadan’ (Greetings to your crescent moon O Ramadan). This event was held on the first night of Ramadan with some 40 children and teenagers from 12 nationalities in attendance at Imam Khomeini Portico. Rituals for the revival of ‘Laylat al-Qadr’ (Night of Destiny) for pilgrims speaking Arabic, Urdu, Azeri, and other languages were held in Dar al-Marhama, Dar al-Rahma, and Ghadir porticos. Additionally, an international conference titled "Toofan al-Ahrar" (Storm of the Free) and the multilingual choral performance "Fath-i-Eshgh” (Conquest of Love) were held on International Quds Day (last Friday of Ramadan).

Coming of Age Ceremonies

Another service provided by the Deputy Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs is the coming of age ceremonies for newly of-age boys and girls. In May, the coming of age ceremony for Arabic-speaking boys, attended by 26 boys from Iraq, Syria, and Bahrain, was held in Melal Portico. In June, the largest coming of age ceremony for girls in the Islamic world took place in Dar al-Marhama Portico. In December, 22 Arabic-speaking girls from Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain celebrated reaching the age of maturity in Melal Portico. The newly of-age participants receive cultural packages, prayer shawls, prayer rugs, and rosaries as part of the services.

Celebrations for Karamat Ten-Day Festivities

During Karamat Ten-Day Festivities and the birth anniversaries of Hazrat Masoumeh(s) (Imam Ridha(a)’s sister) and Imam Ridha (a), the shrine welcomes many devotees from Islamic countries. The Deputy Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs organizes a series of celebrations, including the "Glory of Dignity" events featuring poetry readings and eulogies for Urdu-speaking women in Ghadir Portico, celebrations for Azeri-speaking pilgrims in Dar al-Rahma Portico, and special cultural competitions and the distribution of blessed gifts.

Special Ceremonies for Non-Iranian Pilgrims

The Deputy Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs holds various ceremonies, such as the commemoration of the martyrs of service for Urdu-speaking pilgrims, preliminary meetings for the 9th "Martyrs in Exile" conference, scientific conferences on supporting resistance and the ideals of Quds, mourning ceremonies for the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Javad (the ninth of the Twelve Shia Imams) for Urdu-speaking pilgrims, weddings ceremony for 22 Lebanese couples, and the recitation of the marriage sermon for 25 non-Iranian couples from Madagascar, India, Syria, England, Iraq, America, and France on the anniversary of the marriage of Imam Ali and Hazrat Fatima Zahra (Prophet Muhammad’s daughter). The office also organizes the Arafah prayer ceremony and grand celebrations for Eid al-Ghadir titled "I Am Alavi" for girls from the Islamic world.

Mourning Ceremonies during Muharram and Safar

For non-Iranian pilgrims visiting the shrine during the months of Muharram and Safar (1st and 2nd months on the Lunar Calendar) to mourn for Imam Hussain and his loyal companions, the office organizes various programs. These include welcoming mourners from Arab countries, India, and Pakistan. Special programs include the "Sweeter than Honey" ceremony for Urdu-speaking pilgrims, specialized meetings on the role of elites in Imam Hussain’s movement, mourning ceremonies in the Hussainiyya of the shrine, the "Yawm al-Abbas" event for Arabic-speaking pilgrims, Ashura and Tasu'a mourning ceremonies, and the "Ambassador of Light" gathering, honoring martyr Allama Arif Hussaini.

Programs for the Last Ten Days of Safar

During the last ten days of Safar, when the shrine hosts the highest number of pilgrims annually, the Deputy Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs organizes special mourning programs titled "In Remembrance of the Messenger of Allah" international poetry nights for Arabic-speaking poets in Ghadir Courtyard, Imam Ridha(a)’s debates conference with international speakers from Lebanon, Egypt, and Palestine in Dar al-Rahma Portico, the 5th grand gathering of Urdu-speaking pilgrims and residents, and international Quranic nights.

Special Programs for the Martyrdom and Birth Anniversaries of Hazrat Zahra

During the Fatimiyyah days, the shrine hosts mourning delegations from Iraq and Pakistan. Notable programs include the gathering of Fatemi women in Ghadir Portico and the grand assembly of Iraqi mourners on the night of Hazrat Zahra's martyrdom in Dar al-Marhama Portico. Other significant programs include the inauguration of "In the Realm of the Quran" on Hazrat Zahra's birth anniversary, focused on resistance and jihad, and the celebration of her birth. The office also held commemorative ceremonies for martyrs of resistance, particularly Martyr Haj Qassem Soleimani and Martyr Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Source: atabenews