Huge Crowd Convene in Najaf to Mourn Martyrdom Anniversary of Imam Ali
According to Iraqi media outlets, the ceremony was attended by thousands of people who traveled to the Iraqi city from other countries.
Earlier, authorities of the shrine announced that over 18,000 square meters of space surrounding the shrine had been set aside to welcome pilgrims, host iftar banquets, and provide rest areas. Additional spaces have also been made available for pilgrims in the courtyard of Hazrat Fatima (SA).
Additionally, the guest house of the shrine served more than 100,000 meals to pilgrims while seven iftar tables were arranged in the courtyard of Hazrat Fatima (SA).
Meanwhile, four medical centers have been established with twenty ambulances, staffed by 500 doctors and assistants, standing ready to serve the pilgrims, the authorities said on Sunday.
Najaf Governorate has announced the closure of official offices on Monday.
Imam Ali (AS), the first Imam of Shia Muslims, was martyred on the 21st day of the holy month of Ramadan over thirteen centuries ago. This event is commemorated annually by Shia Muslims and others around the world.
On the eve of Imam Ali’s (AS) martyrdom anniversary, mourning rituals are held at his holy shrine in Najaf, Iraq. The holy mausoleum is adorned with a flag inscribed with “Fuzt Wa Rabb al-Kaaba”, a phrase said by Imam Ali (AS) when he was struck in the head. It translates to "I swear to the Lord of the Kaaba that I have prospered".
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