IRAQ News

Official holiday in Baghdad to mourn Imam Al-Kadhim (AS)

BAGHDAD, Iraq: The government has announced official holiday in Baghdad governorate on Thursday July 8, Rajab 25 marking the martyrdom anniversary of Al-Imam Musa bin Jafar Al-Kadhim (AS).

Over one-million mourn Al-Imam Al-Hady (A) at his Samarra shrine

HOLY SAMARRA, Iraq: An estimated more than one million mourners from other parts of the country gathered at the holy Askariyain shrine in holy Samarra to observe the martyrdom anniversary of Al-Imam Ali Naqy Al-Hady (AS), the tenth infallible descendant of prophet Muhammad (S).

Karbala observes martyrdom of Al-Imam Al-Hady (AS)

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Martyrdom anniversary of Al-Imam Ali Naqy Al-Hady (AS), father of Al-Imam Hasan al-Askary (AS) and grandfather of Al-Imam Al-Mehdi the Awaited Imam (AS), was observed in Karbala with reverence on Wednesday June 16.

Iraq Marje’ declares vote-buying 'Haraam', tells aides to stay neutral

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Al-Marje Al-Aala Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Al-Husseini As-Sistani has issued a Fatwa (religious ruling), declaring vote-buying as Haraam (forbidden) ahead of the country's March 7 parliament elections.

Al-Imam Al-Askary (AS) mourned in Samarra, Karbala, Najaf, Kadhimiyah

SAMARRA, Iraq: The martyrdom anniversary of Al-Imam Al-Hasan Al-Askary (AS) on Raby Al-Oulaa 8 was observed with reverence across the country.

Pure gold and silver windows fixed at Imam Hussein slaughter site

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: The engineering and technical cadres in Al-Atabah Al-Husseiniah have fixed two new net casements made of untainted gold and silver on the site where Al-Imam Abi Abdellah Al-Hussein (AS) was unjustly slaughtered in the 61 AH in the burning desert of Karbala.

Hundreds of thousands descending in Najaf to mourn Prophet (s)

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: It was Safar 28 when the chief of prophets, Prophet Muhammad b. Abdullal Al-Mostafa (peace be on him and his holy progeny) was martyred.

From the city of Al-Hussein … Arbaeen remembrance on climax

HOLY CITYOF KARBALA, Iraq: Brutal attacks on pilgrims of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS) were continued leaving hundreds martyred and injured but this cruelty could not stop them from marching to Karbala where the Arbaeen commemoration will reach on its height on February 5, Safar 20.

Deep grief covers Karbala … mourners continue descending for Arbaeen

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Amid tight security, herds of mourners continued to reach the holy city of Karbala from outside and inside the country on February 2 Tuesday to observe Arbaeeniyato Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS).

Five million to-date step in Karbala for Arbaeen commemoration

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Number of Husseini pilgrims who have entered the holy city of Karbala till February 1 to commemorate Arbaeen Al-Husseini (the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Al-Imam Aba Abdellah Al-Hussein, peace be on him) is five million, according to Othaman Al-Ghanami, chief of Al-Forat Al-Ausat operations.

Flocks reaching Karbala on foot in spite of freezing cold

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Despite mounting cold and chilled winds hundreds of thousands of Husseini mourners, most of them on foot, continue making their way to the holy city of Karbala on to observe Arba’iniyato Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS).

Al-Imam Al-Hasan (AS) mourned in his brother’s city

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Martyrdom Anniversary of Sibt An-Nabi Al-Akbar Al-Imam Al-Hasan Al-Mojtaba (AS) was observed in the holy city of Karbala on Safar 7. Al-Imam Al-Hasan b. Ali b. Abi Talib (AS) was martyred on Safar 7 according to some traditions while some other say it was Safar 28 when he kissed martyrdom.

Half a million foreigners to mark Arbaeen in Karbala

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: At least half a million (500,000) foreign pilgrims are expected to observe Arbaeen Al-Imam Al-Hussein in this holy city this year, Karbala tourism director said.

Ashura commemoration on pinnacle in Imam Hussein city

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: In commemoration of the blood-stained sacrifice rendered by the grandson of holy Prophet (SAWW) Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) along with his near and dear ones in the scorching desert of Karbala for defense of divine religion and Muhammadan Shariah, chain of Ashar-e-Muharram-ul Haram majalis and Zuljinah processions is in continuation with due respect throughout the country like other global parts.

Over 3 million mark Ashura in Karbala crying, gashing heads

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Assalamo Ala’l Hussein Assalamo Ala Aulad’il Hussein Assalamo Ala Ashaab’il Hussein … more than three million Husseini mourners from across the world swarmed the shrine city of Karbala in central Iraq amid tight security marking Ashura, the tenth day of Moharram, which falls this year in Iraq on December 27 Sunday, to pay homage to unmatched sacrifice presented by Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS) and his 72 faithful companions in the scorching desert of Karbala for defense of religion and protection of high human values.

Security upgraded in Najaf, Karbala as climax of Ashura approaches

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: As security has been beefed up in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala marking Ashura – Moharram 10 when Abi Al-Ahraar Al-Imam al-Hussein was martyred – that falls this year on Sunday December 27, millions of Husseini mourners are heading to Karbala to commemorate the heartrending occasion.

Husseini revolution model for all … aza continues in Karbala

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Majalis and mawakib al-Husseini are being held across this holy city to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice of grandson of Prophet Muhammad (s), al-Imam Al-Hussein (a).

Karbala wrapped in black to mourn Aba Abdellah al-Hussein

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: All cities and towns in general and the holy city of Karbala in particular has dressed in black outfit; green, black and red mourning standards have been hoisted, and pavilions and tents have been set up in reception of Moharram which marks the martyrdom of Al-Imam Abi Abdellah Al-Hussein (p) some 14 centuries ago in the scorching desert of Karbala.

Husseini dome’s red standard changed signifying mourning season start

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: Red standard (alam), which signifies revenge, on the holy golden dome of the shrine of Al-Imam Abi Abdellah Al-Hussein (AS) in the holy city of Karbala was replaced with a black one declaring the beginning of month of grief and sorrow - Moharram - in a special spiritual environment.

Iraq Christians cancel Christmas celebrations to honor Ashuraa

BASRA, Iraq: The Christian community in the provinces of southern Iraq have decided to suspend all celebrations marking Christmas and New Year that coincide this year with Ashura Al-Imam Al-Hussein (peace be upon him) to express solidarity with the grief of Muslims on sufferings of Imam Hussein and Ahlil Beit (a.s.) in the month of Muharram.

Services demanded for shrine of Muslim b. Aqeel (AS) sons

AL-MOSAYYEB, Iraq: Talal Abdel-Rasul Ali, Secretary for the holy shrine of sons of Muslim b. Aqeel (a.s.), the ambassador of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (a.s.) to Kufa, has demanded from the central and local governments to extend public facilities to the mausoleum as thousands of pilgrims from the country and the world pay visit to the shrine on daily basis.

Millions swear allegiance to Imam Ali in Najaf marking ‘Ghadir’

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Idd Al-Ghadir, or the Feast of Ghadir, named after the place – Ghadir-i-Khomm - where holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his pure progeny) declared his cousin and son-in-law Al- Imam Ali (peace be upon him) his first infallible successor on the orders of Allah by raising his hand in front of more than 120,000 hajj pilgrims, was celebrated on Sunday, Dhol-Hijjaj 18, December 6, across Iraq with deep enthusiasm while Najaf police leadership announced success of security plan regarding the occasion.

'Eid of Wilayah’ celebrated in Karbala

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: A magnificent festival to mark Eid Al-Ghadir Al-Agharr also called as 'Eid of Wilayah’ was organized in the area that lays between the two holy shrines i.e Al-Imam Al-Hussein (A) and Al-Abbas (A) in the holy city of Karbala.

Millions mark ‘Arafah Day’ at Husseini shrine

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Marking the blessed Day of Arafah, Dhol-hijja 9, which fell this year on November 27 Friday in Iraq, several million devotees from Iraq, Iran, India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Tanzania and many other parts of the world amid tight security measures paid visit to the holy mausoleum of Chief of Martyrs Al-Imam Abi Abdellah Al-Hussein (peace of Allah be on him) in the holy city of Karbala.

France, Iraq ink deal for Karbala airport studies

BAGHDAD, Iraq: To accomplish studies for a future airport in the holy city of Karbala, France's firm Aeroports de Paris International signed a 28-million-euro (41-million-dollar) contract with Iraqi government this week.

Corpses smuggling a new trade in Iraq

PARIS, France: Cadavers, or corpses, is an older and more surprising commodity being smuggled into Iraq, according to a report. The transfer of the dead was stopped during the past 30 years of rebellions, invasion and war with Iran but once again it is now a big business.

Najaf Marjaiyah calls: ‘Do not exploit religion in ballot campaign’

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Al-Marjaiyah Ad-Diniyah, or the higher religious authority, in the holy city of Najaf has warned of exploitation of religion and al-Marja’iyaat Ad-Diniyah through speeches by prayer leaders who have certain tendencies in favour of someone in election campaign.

Pact to re-fix old Zarih on Askariyain graves

HOLY SAMARRA, Iraq: The old Zareeh (gold net around the grave) of the holy graves of Al-Imamain al-Askariyain (AS), which faced destruction as a result of terror criminal act against the holy shrine, will be fixed again on the holy graves in Samarra.

Experts reconstructing damaged Sardab Al-Gheybah

HOLY CITY OF SAMARRA, Iraq: Professional technicians are working to reconstruct the vandalized parts of the holy Mehrab of the Sardab (cellar) of Imam Al-Asr Al-Hojjah Al-Montadhar (AS) in the holy city of Samarra.

Gold-work of Abbasi shrine minarets nears to finishing point

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Gold work of holy minarets of the sacred shrine of Abi’l Fadhl Al-Abbas bin Ali bin Abi Talib (AS) in the holy city of Karbala is expected to be completed in the mid of upcoming month of November this year.

Al-Marje As-Sistani refuses reports about vote boycott

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: An official source in the office of Al-Marjaiyah Ad-Diniyah Ayatullah Sayed Ali al-Husseini As-Sistani has declined on Monday reports which said that the Grand Ayatullah warned that he may call for a boycott of January's general election if MPs adopt a closed voting system,Iraq’s Buratha News reported.

Cries of ‘Tahaddamat wallahi arkaan al hoda’ in the sky of Kufa

KUFA, Iraq: It was Masjid-e-Kufa when in the 40 Hijri, 19 Ramadan dawn an evil man Ibne Moljem struck a poison-dipped sword on the neck of Ameer-ul Mo’minin Al-Imam Ali (AS) while he was in prostration of the dawn (fajr) prayer.

Millions gather in Najaf to observe Imam Ali martyrdom

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Millions of mourners descended at the holy city of Najaf to observe here the anniversary of martyrdom of Sayedol Wasiyyeen, Imam-ol Mottaqeen, Amir-ol Mo’minin Al-Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (AS) on Ramadan 21 that fell this year on Friday September 11.

3-day Haidari processions march through Karbala

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: Since the 19th Ramadan night and till the 21st day of Ramadan the holy city of Karbala witnessed big mourning processions in connection with the martyrdom anniversary of Master of Believers Imam Ali (AS).

Najaf, Karbala see first Laylah Al-Qadr, Imam Ali (A) dharbah marking

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: First of three Layali Al-Qadr (Ramadan 19, 21, 23) was observed at the holy shrines of Al-Imam Ali b. Abi Talib (AS) and Al-Imam Abi Abdellah Al-Hussein (AS) in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

Blast near Aulaad-i-Muslim (AS) shrine in Musayyab slammed

MUSAYYAB, Iraq: Clerics and leaders have strongly condemned a car bomb attack near the holy shrine of two sons of Muslim b. Aqeel (AS), the cousin and ambassador of Imam Al-Hussein (AS) to Kufa.

Al-Hakim buried as tens of thousands pay respects

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Revered Iraqi Shiite leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, son of grand Marje Sayed Mohsin Al-Hakim (late), was buried beside his brother amid frenzied scenes in holy city of Najaf on Saturday August 29, following his death from lung cancer three days ago.

Nation mourns death of Al-Hakim, burial to be in Najaf

TEHRAN, Iran: To show their respects to the influential Iraqi leader and son of late Al-Marje Al-Aala Sayed Mohsin Al-Hakim, Sayed Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, who died Wednesday August 26 in Tehran, thousands of people in Iran flocked to a mourning ceremony.

Ziyarah Sha'abaniyah ends peacefully

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: An estimated six million worshippers gathered at the holy shrine of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS) and site of Imam al-Mahdi in the holy city of Karbala on 15th night of Sha'aban (night between Thursday and Friday, August 6-7) honoring the birthday of Al-Imam al-Mahdi al-Montadhar (AS).

Spirituality, holiness in Karbala on crest as 15 Sha’ban A’maal begin

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Atmosphere in the holy city of Karbala is overflowing with further spirituality, bliss and happiness as festivals and a’maal marking fifteenth Sha’ban (night between 14-15 Sha’ban Thursday-Friday) began at the holy Shrine of Al-Imam Ab Abdellah Al-Hussein (pbuh) on Thursday, August 6, eve of Sha’ban 15.

Assalamo Alayka Ya Moazzab fee Qa'ar-es Sajoon ... Over 6 million gather in Kadhimiya as commemoration on peak

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Holy Kadhimiyah is in profound grief and mourning as the commemoration of the martyrdom anniversary of Al-Imam Mussa Al-Kadhim (AS), the seventh infallible descendant of prophet Muhammad (S), was in climax on Saturday July 18, Rajab 25.

Despite hot weather mlns of Imam Kadhim (A) mourners reaching his shrine

AL-KADHIMIYA, Iraq: Despite the scorching summer and the sand storms that occasionally hit Baghdad, hundreds of thousands of devotees of Ahlul Bayt (AS) were walking Thursday towards the Kadhimiya district of Baghdad carrying black, red and green flags.

Imam Hussein (A) martyrdom journey beginning marked with majalis, processions

TORONTO, Canada: Massive Majalis Al-Azaa and mourning processions were held in different countries to mark Rajab 28 that falls in many global parts on July 21 while in some other on July 22. Ammari processions were taken out in Pakistani and Indian cities of Lahore, Karachi and Lucknow.

Al-Imam Ali Al-Mortadha (A) greeted on Mab’ath, Me’raj

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Hundreds of thousands of devotees observed the auspicious occasion of Mab’ath and Me’raj at the holy shrine of Amir Al-Mo’minin Al-Imam Ali (AS) in the holy city of Najaf amid stiff security.

'Iraq recent attacks wake-up call', Ayat Sistani representative

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: A confidant of Grand Ayatollah Ali as-Sistani, Sheikh Abdel Mahdi al-Karbalai, said Friday that a spate of recent sectarian attacks in Iraq were a "wake-up call" to the government.

Owing to Najaf, Karbala shrines … tourism industry flourishing in Iraq

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: It may be hard for Westerners to believe, but one industry that’s booming, despite the global recession, is Iraqi tourism, Stars and Stripes reported.

Millions mourn “Omm Al-Aa’immah (A)” in Najaf

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Martyrdom anniversary of Sayedaton-Nessa-el Aalamin (Mistress of the women of world) Sayedah Fatimah toz Zahraa Al-Batool (AS), the only daughter of holy Prophet Muhammad b. Abdullah (S), spouse of Al-Imam Ali (AS) and mother of Hasnayn Karimayn (AS) was observed throughout Iraq on Jamadi Al-Aakher 3.

Kazimiyah gets new layer of security: street gates

HOLY KAZIMIYAH, Iraq: In a clear sign of ongoing security concerns as bombings continue, Iraqi authorities have quietly installed about 100 metal gates near the holy Kazimiyah shrine.

Samarra shrine reopens after reconstruction

SAMARRA, Iraq: Al-Marjaiyah Ad-Diniyah representatives, clerics and high government officials attended a grand reopening ceremony of the rebuilt holy shrine of Al-Imamyan Al-Askariyain in Samarra on Thursday April 16, 2009.

A photo album of newly rebuilt Askariya shrine

SAMARRA, Iraq: Holy Shrine of Al-Imamayn Ali An-Naqi Al-Hadi and Hassan Al-Askari (peace be on them) has been reopened after its reconstruction. Thousands of visitors began to descend on Holy Shrine.

Laborers rejoice completion of Askariyain shrine dome, minarets

HOLY SAMARRA, Iraq: Sacred dome and minarets of the holy shrine of Al-Imamayn al-Askariyain (AS) in Samarra have been completed by the grace of Allah Almighty and help of fourteen Masumin (peace be on them).

Major terror attacks against Arbaeen pilgrims

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Terror attacks against Husseini mourners going to the holy city of Karbala for Arbaeen Al-Husseini commemoration were in continuation. Arbaeen which comes every year on Safar 20 falls this year on February 16 Monday.

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