HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Rejecting terror threats, over six million devotees fearlessly congregated in the holy city of Karbala – home to the holy shrines of Al-Imam Al-Hussain (a.s.) and his brother Abu`l Fadhl Al-Abbas (a.s.) – to celebrate 15th of Shaban that marks the birth anniversary of Holy Prophet (s.v.)’s 12th infallible descendant, Imam of Era, Savior of Humanity Al-Imam Al-Hojjah Al-Mahdi (a.s.).

The devoting pilgrims had begun flocking from across the country to this holy city for the last many days, some walking more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) barefoot, to observe the auspicious occasion of birthday of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (as) who, according to a saying of Chief of Prophets (s.v.), will one day return to the oppression-filled world and will fill it with justice and equity.

All through the night of Shaban 15 (night between Shaban 14 and 15), they remained performing special A`maal at the beautifully ornamented holy shrines of Al-Imam Al-Hussain (a.s.) and Al-Abbas (a.s.) and the “Site of Imam Al-Mahdi (a.s.)” situated near the holy mausoleums. A`maal include special prayers, supplications, adiyah (invocation), and recitation of holy Quran.

According to authentic traditions from the holy Prophet (s.v.) and his Ahl`ol Bayt (a.s.), the best amal (deed) of this glorious night is a visit to the holy shrine of Al-Imam Al-Hussain (as).

The devotees wrote down ara’ez in the respected court of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (a.s.), scented these and then floated in the river. They lit candles and placed them around the holy shrines.

Special prayers were offered for haste reappearance of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (a.s.), supremacy of Islamic world, end of terrorism in Iraq and safety of holy sites, grand Marajay, all Iraqis and the humanity.

Karbala residents cooked unique meals in giant pots at open places for the devotees outside the Al-Imam Al-Hussain (as) shrine. Food and drink stands were set up for the pilgrims, despite warnings from local police to avoid them, fearing terrorists might try to hand out poisoned food.

Meanwhile, police said they uncovered a cache of explosives near Karbala late Sunday 13 Shaban on farm land on the outskirts of the city and arrested four terrorists for allegedly planning an attack on the pilgrims.

Most shops and businesses were closed as the huge crowd swelled.

Security measures were stepped up for the celebrations. Policewomen were on hand to search female pilgrims and non-residents were required to obtain prior approval from authorities before being allowed to check into local hotels. The city has been closed to cars since Friday, amid fears suicide bombers may cause carnage.

In anticipation of violence, Karbala health center had provided 15 extra ambulances and 24 additional cars to transport possible casualties. Many young men had volunteered to donate blood, police said.