HOLY KARBALA/ HOLY NAJAF: Martyrdom Anniversary of Sayedah Fatimah Az-Zahraa Al-Batol (P), the Mistress of Women of World and beloved only daughter of holy Prophet (p), spouse of Imam Ali (p), mother of eleven Imams from the progeny of Chief of Messengers Muhammad bin Abdullah (p), was commemorated in Iraq with due reverence as “Al-Ayyam Al-Fatimiyah Al-Oulaa”.

Some reports say Sayedah Fatimah At-Tahirah As-Siddiqah (p) was martyred on 13 Jamady Al-Awwal – 5th lunar month - while according to others it was 3rd Jamady Ath-Thani – 6th lunar month – when she kissed martyrdom. The period of 13 Jamady Al-Awwal is called “Al-Ayyam Al-Fatimiyah Al-Oula”, or the first Fatimi days.

In the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, throngs flocked to the holy shrines of Master of Believers Al-Imam Ali (p), Chief of Martyrs Al-Imam Al-Hussein (p) and Al-Abbas (p) from across the country, some on foot, to extend their condolence to the holy Prophet (p) and Ahl`ol Beit (p) on the martyrdom of Omm-i-Abeeha Sayedah Az-Zahraa (p).

Markets, businesses, educational institutions and all working fields were shut to mark the painful occasion while men, women and children participated in the mourning rituals.

Majalis Al-Azaa were held throughout the country addressed by renowned speakers and scholars who depicted the lofty status of Sayedah Az-Zahraa (p) in the sight of Allah and His Prophet (p) as well as sufferings faced by her soon after the departure of her holy father, the Prophet Muhammad Al-Mostafa (p), terming her way of life a beacon of light.

General Society of Poets of Ahl`ol Beit (p) organized a poetic conference in the holy city of Najaf opening with the recitation of holy Quran and followed by eulogies and elegies about Omm Al-Hasanayn (p) by renowned poets.

Grand mourning processions marched on the streets of holy Karbala and the holy Najaf beginning from different cities and culminating at the holy mausoleums of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (p), Al-Abbas (p) and Al-Imam Ali (p).

Carrying replica coffins of Sayedah Az-Zahraa (P), standards and banners inscribed with names of different organizations and statements of condolence to Saheb Al-Asr the Imam of Era (p) on the grief day, the black-dressed mourners chanted elegies.

Special tents and camps were set up, and food was cooked in giant pots to facilitate the mourners of Bint-ur Rasul Sayedah Fatimah (p).