HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Ziyarah Ash-Shabaniyah or the Shabaniyah festival, which climaxes over this weekend Shaban 15th, marks the birth anniversary of Al-Imam Mohammed Al-Mahdi (A), the 12th infallible descendant of Prophet Mohammed (S) and the Last Proof of Allah, who disappeared in the 9th century and on his appearance will fill the earth with justice and equity as it would have been filled with oppression and tyranny.

Millions of devotees from inside and outside Iraq flock to the holy shrine of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS) in the holy city of Karbala to celebrate the event because ziarah of Al-Imam Abi Abdellah Al-Hussein (AS) is the best amal (deed) of the night between Shaban 14 and 15 and a source of forgiveness of sins.

This year also, followers of Ahlul Beit (AS) continued to reach the holy Husseini shrine, some on foot, and some individually while some others in caravans holding black, white, green and red standards inscribed with ‘Al-Ajal Ya Imam Al-Asr (AS)’ despite constant terrorism.

One pilgrim was martyred and seven others injured in a roadside bomb explosion near a group of pilgrims in central Baghdad on Thursday. The incident took place near the al-Tahariyat Square in Karrada district when the group was traveling on foot to the holy city of Karbala, some 110 km south of Baghdad, to mark two days ahead holy ritual.

Another attack in the central Alwiya district, wounded eight pilgrims, all males in their late teens and early 20s.

Arrangements to serve the guests of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS) with food, meals and drinks have been finalized.

Special automobiles have been scheduled to run in the area between the two holy shrines to ease the pilgrims.