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“Threats of attack by al-Qaida head in Iraq Abu Musab Az-Zarqawi mean nothing for
us. Our objective is Hussein (A), if it is in our fate to reach to
him, we will.” |
HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Despite mounting terrorism in Iraq, millions of
devotees wearing white shrouds are converging on the holy city of
Najaf to perform pilgrimage of Al-Imam Ali (A) on their way to Holy
Karbala for visitation to the holy shrine of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (A)
marking the birth anniversary of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (A) with preparation
for martyrdom.
Al-Qaeda's Iraq front man Zarqawi threatened Wednesday in an Internet
statement to launch an all-out war against Iraq's majority.
But the threat of violence drew condemnation from Sunnis clerical
body, the Committee of Muslim Scholars.
Holding big banners and standards inscribed with “Ya Hussein”,
“Yadullah Fauqa Aydihim”, “Labbayk Labbayk”, men, women and children
from across the country are coming to the holy city in caravans,
groups, some alone and on foot.
Birth anniversary of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (A) on 15 Sha’ban falls this
year on Tuesday, while the celebrations begin on the eve of 14 Sha’ban,
19 September, Monday.
Security is beefed up as Holy Karbala has been divided into nine parts
and five thousand Iraqi and American troops have been deployed.
Meanwhile, the Karbala Province has demanded from the government to
send military experts from ministries of defense and interior to Holy
Karbala for participation in security arrangements that include ban on
all vehicles and motor cycles in the city.
Compatriots have set up tents and camps throughout routes of Holy
Najaf and Holy Karbala to facilitate the devotees, and foods are being
prepared in giant pots for the pilgrims.
Qassem Zaghir, 56, a devotee on his way to Karbala said, “Threats of
attack by al-Qaida head in Iraq Abu Musab Az-Zarqawi mean nothing for
us. Our objective is Hussein (A), if it is in our fate to reach to
him, we will.”
“Our thronging to Zeyarah in these circumstances is in fact reply to
Zarwawi threats, and we tell him ‘do what you (Zarqawi) can, but it
would never stop us from performing worship,’ ” he added.
Hussein Nazir, 22, wearing white shroud to show his readiness for
death is travelling to Holy Karbala along with his ten friends.
“We don’t feel fear… I was on the bridge of Al-A’immah on the day of
tragedy, Allah saved me.”
“We decided to wear shrouds in show of our readiness for death, and we
feel happiness in its reception.”
