World Shia Muslims Celebrate Imam Reza (AS) Birthday Anniversary

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Shia Muslims in Iran and elsewhere in the world on Friday attended ceremonies celebrating the birthday anniversary of Imam Reza (AS), the 8th Imam.

Thousands gathered at the holy mausoleum of Imam Reza in Mashhad, northeast Iran, to mark the auspicious occasion.

The pilgrims prayed and engaged in celebratory activities on the merry occasion.

Iranians in cities and towns all over the nation held ceremonies in mosques, community centers and even street corners by chanting religious verses, and serving variety of sweets and soft drinks.

Most Iranian media outlets were also in a celebratory mood on Friday, intermittently interrupting the regular programs to broadcast images of the Imam’s holy shrine and celebrations underway in Mashhad and other cities.

Imam Reza’s (AS) birthday anniversary is on the 11th day of Dhul Qaada in the lunar Hijri calendar, which fell on August 4 this year.