HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Marking the demise
anniversary of Chief of Prophets Ar-Rasul Al-Azam holy
Prophet Muhammad bin Abdullah (p) on Safar 28 April 8,
hundreds of thousands of mourning pilgrims from different
parts of the world and across the country gathered at the
holy Shrine of his first infallible successor, cousin and
son-in-law Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (p) in the holy city of
Najaf.
Multitudes of mourners - men, women and children - that
had been descending on this holy city since last week
wearing black mourning dresses on Friday staged mass
mourning processions of replica coffin of the Seal of
Messengers, Mercy for the Worlds, Beloved of Allah, and
Father of the Mistress of the Women of the Worlds Prophet
Muhammad (p) to mark the occasion.
A number of Mawakib Azaiyah, or the mourning groups, from
around the country also partook the processions.
Pounding their chests and heads, glorifying the prophet
(p) and his family, and reciting elegies, the mourners
then entered the Al-Imam Ali (p) holy shrine compound, and
while wailing, crying and shedding rivers of tears offered
their profound condolences to the Master of Believers
Al-Imam Ali Al-Morteza (p) on the martyrdom of Allah’s
beloved Prophet (p).
Some mourning pilgrims rode in buses and cars to this holy
city for the event observance while some barefoot trudged
to the city of Imam Ali (p) on foot.
The commemorative ceremonies and mourning rites – majalis
and marches - began on the eve of the anniversary
expressing great devotion and love for holy Prophet (p)
and his pure progeny (p).
People of this holy city used to facilitate guests of Amir
Al-Mo’menin Al-Imam Ali (p) that come here to commemorate
the martyrdom anniversary of Sayyed Al-Ambiyaa holy
Prophet Muhammad Al-Mostafa (p).
Therefore, large tents, camps and pavilions were set up,
special foods were being prepared in giant pots, stalls of
hot and cold drinks were installed at the thoroughfares of
this holy city i.e. Al-Medinah street, Al-Hatef street,
Al-Imam Ali street, As-Sour Street, Ar-Rasul street and
As-Sadeq street.
Meanwhile, a bomb that was planted at the southern
entrance of the holy Najaf exploded leaving at least four
mourning pilgrims wounded.
