HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Amid tight security, some five million followers of Ahl-ol Beit (AS) and devotees of Savior of humanity and Seal of Prophets Ar-Rasul Al-Adham Muhammad Al-Mostafa (S) gathered at the holy shrine of his cousin, son-in-law and the first infallible successor Al-Imam Ali (AS) in the holy city of Najaf on Friday, Safar 28, March 7, to condole him on the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (S)'s martyrdom.

According to spokesman of the Najaf governorate Ahmed Duaibil mourners from Iraq, Iran and many other Arab nations descended on Najaf to mark the sad occasion.

A security official said 35,000 Iraqi security guards had been deployed in and around the city to thwart any attacks on the pilgrims.

"There is also a vehicle ban in the city from this afternoon till the pilgrimage ends," he added.

Millions, some on foot while some others on vehicles, reached in the holy city to offer condolence to Amir-ol Mo’minin Al-Imam Ali Al-Mortadha (AS) and to express their devotion for the Prophet of Mercy Muhammad bin Abdullah (S).

They strongly condemned blasphemous aggression against the Prophet (S) at the hands of enemies of humanity in pretext of freedom of speech. The mourners also denounced silence of Islamic organizations and governments on blasphemy of the Prophet (S).