6-million Iraqis stream into Karbala on Imam Mahdi (a)’s birthday

By: Ismail Zabeeh

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Marking the birth anniversary of the Imam of Era, Imam Al-Mahdi (as), on the 15th day of Shaaban on Sunday, up to six-million devotees gathered in the holy city of Karbala which houses the holy shrines of Al-Imam Al-Hussain (as) and his brother Abul Fazlil Abbas (as).

The devotees flocked from all over Iraq to the holy city of Karbala on Saturday, some walking more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) barefoot, to celebrate the auspicious occasion of birthday of Imam Mahdi (as) who will one day return to the oppression-filled world and will fill it with justice and equity as per saying of the Chief of Prophets, Prophet Muhammad (saww).

Throughout the night of Shaaban 15 (night between Shaaban 14 and 15), throngs of devotees remained performing special aamaal at the beautifully bedecked holy shrines of Al-Imam Al-Hussain (as) and Al-Abbas (as). Aamaal include special prayers, adiyah (invocation), and recitation of holy Quran. According to traditions the best amal (deed) of this glorious night is a visit to the holy shrine of Al-Imam Al-Hussain (as).

The celebrations, banned during the 24-year rule of Saddam Hussein, take place about two weeks before the holy month of Ramazan. Iraqis cooked special food for the devotees outside the Imam Hussain (as) shrine in Karbala.

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