IRAQ News 2006-07

“From Taff Karbala to Samarra Bombing” … commemoration in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq: A conference titled “From Taff Karbala to Samarra Bombing” was held in Al-Hayi organized by Shaheed Al-Mehrab Organization.

Be Abi Anta wa Ommi Ya Hussein … universal history’s darkest day marked

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: The darkest day of universal history known as Ashura – Moharram 10 - was reverently and solemnly commemorated across the globe on Tuesday January 30. Ashura marks the gruesome tragedy of Karbala in which the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (p), Hussein bin Ali (p) along with his 72 faithful near and dear ones was slaughtered unjustly some 1,400 years ago.

Infants remember six-month-old youngest martyr of Karbala

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Al-Imam Al-Hossein (AS)’s six-month-old son Abdullah Ali Al-Asghar (AS) was the youngest martyr of Karbala. Muharram 6 is attributed to his martyrdom commemoration across the world.

Holy Karbala shrouds black, Husseini traditions back

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Everything belonging to observation of days of Holy Prophet (p)’s Ahlil Bayt (p) - traditions, customs and culture - that were in 70s of the last century and Saddam regime had banned them, have returned in the Iraqi society.

Red flag on golden Husseini dome replaced to signify grief

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: In special spiritual environment, Red standard, which signifies revenge, on the holy golden dome of Husseini shrine in the holy city of Karbala was replaced with a black one declaring the beginning of Moharram – the month of grief and sorrow.

Karbala makes security arrangements for Moharram

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: Marking the month of Moharram, Iraq will deploy about 8,000 policemen and security guards in and around the holy shrine city of Karbala for the mourning ceremony of Ashura.

Iraqis protest Arab States stance on Saddam hanging

HILLA, Iraq: Thousands of Iraqis protested on Wednesday in Hilla to denounce stance of Arab States in favour of cruel dictator Saddam who had killed over three-million Iraqis.

Allah looks to visitors of Hussein (A) before His in Mt. Arafat … Arafah Day report from Karbala

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Yom-i-Arafah or the Day of Arafah is of Allah’s grand days when hearts are attentive to His court and they pray for cleanness of souls from evils hoping blessings and forgiveness.

Holy Najaf confab focuses on security during Moharram

HOLY CITY OF NAJF, Iraq: A conference to review Moharram arrangements was held in the holy city of Najaf presided over by Najaf’s deputy governor Alhaj Abdul-Hussein Abtan and attended by security officials and heads of Husseini mawakeb.

Security plan geared up for Muharram in Holy Karbala

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: As the month of mourning, Muharram-ol Haram, nears, preparations for its reception have been finalized in the holy city of Karbala – home to the holy shrines of Chief of Martyrs and grandson of holy Prophet Muhammad (p), Al-Imam Abi Abdellah Al-Hussein (p) and his brother Al-Abbas bin Ali (p).

Maliki hits out at Saddam execution critics, says it concerns only the Iraqis

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Prime Minister of Iraq Nuri Al-Maliki has lashed out at countries and threatened to "review" relations with them that have criticised the execution of brutal dictator Saddam, saying the hanging was an internal matter.

Millions renew their allegiance to Amirol Mo’minin (p) at his shrine

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Amid tight security measures, several million pilgrims on Monday Dhol-Hejjah 18 January 8 observed Eid Al-Ghadir - a day when Prophet Muhammad (p) designated Imam Ali as his successor, and a day of allegiance to the Amirol Mo’minin Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (p), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet (p), - at his holy shrine in the holy city of Najaf.

Ayat As-Sistani opposes US-backed broad coalition

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Lawmakers from the Iraqi Parliament's largest bloc said Al-Marje Al-A’ala Grand Ayatullah Sayyed Ali Al-Husseini As-Sistani withheld support Saturday for a US-backed plan to build a coalition across sectarian lines.

Brutal dictator Saddam hanged

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Oppressed Iraqi nation celebrated after hearing news of the country's former brutal dictator Saddam’s execution Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006.

Sadr aide killing by US soldier causes anger

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: After a US soldier martyred a senior ally of cleric Moqtada As-Sadr during a raid on his house, tension was mounting in the holy city of Najaf.

Iraq developing holy cities, shrines to expand religious tourism

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Prime Minister of Iraq had ordered to develop and expand the holy shrine of holy Prophet Muhammad (S)’s son-in-law, cousin and first infallible descendant Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (S).

Imam Al-Jawad (A) martyrdom day commemoration in Kadimiyah

KADIMIYAH, Iraq: Tens of thousands of mourners gathered on Dhol-Qa’dah 29 Thursday December 21 at the holy shrine of Al-Imam Muhammad Taqi Al-Jawwad (A) in Kadimiyah to commemorate his martyrdom anniversary.

Al-Imam Al-Jawad (AS) conference in Baghdad draws thousands

BAGHDAD, Iraq: To mark the martyrdom anniversary of Al-Imam Muhammad Al-Jawad (AS), a conference was held in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad.

Al-Marje Al-A’ala Sistani asked to bless Iraq broad coalition

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: The Iraqi Parliament's largest bloc met Thursday with the Al-Marje Al-A’ala Grand Ayatullah Sayyed Ali Al-Husseini As-Sistani, seeking his blessing for a coalition strong enough to cross sectarian lines and push Moqtada As-Sadr to lay down his arms.

Holy Askariyain shrine door damaged in bomb explosion

HOLY SAMARRA, Iraq: A bomb exploded on Tuesday near the entrance of holy Al-Imamayn Al-Askariyain shrine in Samarra causing damage, the US military said.

Al-Hakim discusses Iraq future with Arab-Americans

DEARBORN, United States: Prominent Iraqi leader and head of SCIRI the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq Sayyed Abdul-Aziz Al-Hakim swept into the Bint Jebail Cultural Center in Dearborn this weekend, where he spoke with Iraqi-Americans and other Arab-Americans about the future of Iraq.

Over 70,000 US hired Mercenaries doing bloodshed in Iraq

WASHINGTON, United States: Accusations that American private security companies are involved in the current bloodshed in Iraq have been revived with the kidnapping of four US security contractors earlier this month in Iraq.

Iraq reconciliation meeting to halt growing violence

BAGHDAD, Iraq: A national reconciliation conference designed to halt mounting violence in Iraq was held in Baghdad on Saturday, 16 December.

Najaf sealed after bomb outside Al-Abbas shrine shakes Karbala

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: At least eight pilgrims were martyred and 46 injured when a powerful car bomb exploded on Saturday close to the holy shrine of Abu’l Fazl Al-Abbas bin Ali (AS) in the central holy city of Karbala.

Salman Al-Muhammadi (R)’s shrine attacked

AL-MADAYEN, Iraq: Terrorists bombed the holy shrine of one of holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his holy progeny)’s distinguished companions, Salman Al-Farsi (may Allah be please with him), in Al-Madayen city of Iraq.

Al-Hakim condemns violence against Islamic teaching

WASHINGTON, Iraq: Sayyed Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim, Iraqi leader, while delivering a lecture on Shi'ite Islamic freedoms and the future of Iraq at Catholic University in the United States said Islam allows for political freedoms that are essential for Iraq.

Ehtafalaatu Imam Ar-Reza (a) in Iraq call to stand unitedly against terrorism

AL-HILLAH, Iraq: Celebratory gatherings in connection with the birth anniversary of Al-Imam Ar-Reza (AS) on Dhol-Qa’adah 11 were held in Kufa and Hilla like other cities of Iraq.

Arab world’s famous Husseini dirge-chanter expires

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Renowned Husseini dirge-chanter of the Arab world Abdur-Redha An-Najafy has died at 70 on December 3. He was from the holy city of Najaf.

Death anniversary of Ayatullah Sadiq as-Sadr marked

BAGHDAD, Iraq: The seventh death anniversary of Ayatullah Mohammad Sadeq As-Sadr, the father of cleric Moqtada As-Sadr was observed in Iraq.

Karbala mourns Al-Imam As-Sadiq (p)

HOLY CITY OF KERBALA, Iraq: Marking the martyrdom anniversary of Al-Imam Ja’fer As-Sadiq (peace be upon him) and condemning the heinous crime of demolishing his holy grave and graves of other A’immah in Al-Baqi and Samarra, massive mourning gatherings (majalis wa mawakeb al-azaiyah) were held in the holy city of Kerbala besides other cities on Shawal 25.

Hoza, Maraje call for restraint on martyrdom of over 200 in Baghdad

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Al-Hozaa Al-ILmiyah, Maraje, Ayaat, religious, political and social figures have strongly condemned deadliest terrorism on Thursday in Sadr city of Baghdad which left more than 210 innocent followers of Ahl-ol Beit (AS) martyred and hundreds other wounded.

Maliki orders Samarra shrine rebuilding, workforce security

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki said the task of reconstruction of honorable holy Askariya shrine is a sacred task from legitimate, national and humanitarian aspects.

Iraq Friday prayers clerics call for Saddam quick execution

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: Friday prayer leaders in Iraq have called for the speedy execution of ousted dictator Saddam in their sermons, saying it would end the reign of terror currently gripping the country.

Iraqi government declares plans to rebuild Samarra shrine

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Cabinet of Iraq on Thursday announced plans to repair the holy Askariyain shrine in the holy city of Samarra that was bombed by terrorists in February this year.

Terror plans to bomb Karbala shrines thwarted

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Chief of Karbala Police Muhammad Abo Al-Walid said on Monday that a terror clique, which was planning to bomb the holy shrines of Al-Imam Al-Hussein and Abo Al-Fazl Al-Abbas (peace be upon them ), has been arrested, according to Aswaat-ol Iraq.

Hadamu Al-Yom Qaboran Fee Al-Baqee… clerics protest in Karbala

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: Religious students organized a big protest gathering to mark the anniversary of tragic event of demolition of Al-Baqi Cemetery in the holy city of Medina in 1924 by Aal-e-Sa’ud.

“Prayer leaders voice of unity…” confab held in Holy Najaf

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: A’emma-tol Joma’a val Jama’ah (Friday prayer leaders) in Iraq held their fifth conference in the holy city of Najaf to honor preachers and discuss the ongoing situation in the country.

Assasalmu alaa Shohadaa-el Iraq …Al-Hakim greets Iraqis

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Sayed Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim, chief of Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq and head of ruling United Iraqi Alliance, has greeted Iraqi nation on hanging sentence of Iraqi despot Saddam and criminals along with him.

Iraqis rejoice as ‘life of brutality’ sentenced to hang

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Iraqis celebrated the death sentence handed down to deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam by gathering on the streets, dancing, waving flags and setting fire to his pictures.

Karbala holds majalis to mark aggression against Al-Baqi A’immah

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: In commemoration of the anniversary of Tahdimo Qaboori A’immah-tol Baqi (peace be upon them), a seven-day majalis al-azaiyah were organized by the administration of Husseini shrine in the sacred Husseini shrine compound.

Official website of Al-Imam Ali (a.s.) holy shrine launches

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Official website of the holy shrine of Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.) in the holy city of Najaf, cousin, son-in-law and the first infallible successor of holy Prophet Muhammad (s.v.), has been launched.

Al-Hakim, Marjaiyah talk on Iraq current situation

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Sayyed Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim, chief of Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq and head of United Iraqi Alliance, held talks with Marjaiyah in the holy city of Najaf.

Al-Baqi` tragedy marking in Karbala demands shrines rebuilding

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Marking the anniversary of demolition of holy shrines of A`immah from the progeny of holy Prophet (s) and his daughter Syedah Fatimah Az-Zahraa (s) in the sacred Cemetery of Al-Baqi` in the holy city of Medinah at the hands of Saudi rulers 83 years back, big demonstrations were held in the holy city of Karbala on Shaval 8 Tuesday.

Holy shrines in Najaf reopened

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Holy shrines in the holy city of Najaf and Kufa -- including the revered mausoleum of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (AS) -- were shut down on Thursday 26 October for security reasons. According to witnesses in the holy Najaf south of Baghdad the streets around the Imam Ali mausoleum were blocked off and the shrine itself was sealed to pilgrims.

Eid`ol Fitr celebrations in Iraq

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Eid`ol Fitr was reverently and enthusiastically observed in Iraq on Tuesday. Ayatullah Sistani’s representative in Karbala, Sheikh Abdul Mehdi Al-Karbalayi led eid prayer was offered at the holy Husseini shrine in the holy city of Karbala attended by tens of thousands of worshippers.

Marjaiyah declares Oct 24 as Eid`ol Fitr; worldwide celebrations

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: In the holy city of Najaf, Al-Marje Ad-Dini Grand Ayatullah Sayyed Ali Al-Husseini As-Sistani has announced that Tuesday October 24 is the first day of Shawal – Eid`ol Fitr.

Samarra shrine bombing architect gets death penalty

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Maufeq Ar-Rabeyei, Iraq’s national security advisor, has declared that terrorist Hamed As-Saidi, mastermind of destructing holy shrine of Al-Imamain Al-Askariyain in the holy city of Samarra, will be hanged to death.

Quran recitation ceremonies at Al-Imam Ali (AS) shrine

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Marking the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Holy Quran recital ceremonies were continued at the holy shrine of Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (AS) in the holy city of Najaf.

Mlns mourn Imam Ali (p), observe Layla-tol Qadr in Najaf

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Officials in Holy Najaf estimated that several million devotees commemorated the 2nd of the three Layali Al-Qadr (Ramadan 19, 21, 23) and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali Al-Mortaza (peace be on him) at his sacred golden-domed shrine on 21st of the holy fasting month under heavy security.

Najaf shrouds in black to mourn Imam Ali (p), seven mln flock

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: An estimated seven million devotees have streamed towards the holy city of Najaf, many on foot, to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Amir’ol Mominin Al-Imam Ali Al-Morteza (p) at his sacred shrine on Ramadan 21, October 15 Sunday.

Sayedah Khadija (p) a role model for world women, says Al-Hakim

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Sayyed Abdulaziz Al-Hakim, president Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq and head of Iraq United Alliance, said Omm-ol Mo’minin Sayyedah Khadija bint-i-Khawelad (p), spouse of holy Prophet (p), is a role model for world women.

Re-erect Askariyain shrine, Najaf-Karbala Ramadan majales tell govt

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Ramadan’s spiritual majales (gatherings), Qoran contests and religious meetings were continued in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on 8th of the holy month of Ramadan.

US-Israel contract to bury nuclear waste in Iraq

BERLIN, Germany: Israel’s government and the United States have recently signed an agreement on the burial of the Israeli nuclear plant wastes in western Iraq's Al-Anbar region, informed Iraqi sources revealed.

Killings, violence cannot stop Najaf, Karbala pilgrimage

HYDERABAD/LUCKNOW: Undaunted by the martyrdoms of three Indians in Iraq, people in the country are continuing to queue up for pilgrimage (ziyarat) to the holiest shrines in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

Iraq’s looted modern art returns home

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Well-wishers have returned more than 1,000 works of modern art looted from Baghdad's top gallery as curators continue the painstaking task of restoring what was once one of the Middle East's finest collections.

Ramadan nights and days in Najaf, Karbala

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: The holy fasting month of Ramadan has begun in Iraq on Monday with prayers for peace and stability. The office of Al-Marje Al-A’ala Ayatullah Sayyed Ali Husseini As-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf said in a statement: "There was no formal sighting of the crescent (moon), so Sunday is the final day of the month of Sha’aban and Monday the first day of Ramadan."

Iraq leaders focus on prevailing situation

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: Al-Marje Ad-Dini Ayatullah Sayyed Muhammad Said Al-Hakim received head of Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq Hojja Al-Islam Val Muslimin Sayyed Abdulaziz Al-Hakim at his office in the holy city of Najaf.

Encyclopedia of Najaf Houza scholars' killings to be made public

LONDON, United Kingdom: Al-Khoei foundation and Organization of human rights in Iraq will hold in London a reception party on Friday 15th September 2006 to release Dr Saheb Alhakim's new documentary book named: “Encyclopedia of Killing and torturing of (NAJAF) Al-Haouza Religious Scholars and Students in the country of mass graves “Iraq”.

Over six million observed 15th Shaaban in Holy Karbala

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: Amid heavy security, more than six million devotees observed at the holy shrine of Al-Imam Al-Hussein bin Ali (AS) in the holy city of Karbala the 15th night of Shaaban marking the birthday of Imam Al-Mehdi Al-Muntadhar (AS).

Security beefed up in Karbala ahead of 15 Shaban celebrations

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: While millions of devotees are heading towards the holy city of Karbala to celebrate at the holy shrine f Al-Imam Al-Hussein (peace be upon him) the mid Shaban night that marks the birthday of Savior of Humanity, Last descendant of holy Prophet (peace be upon him & his pure progeny) Al-Imam Al-Mehdi (peace be upon him), Iraqi security forces imposed extreme security measures along the road from Baghdad to this holy city.

Millions descending to Holy Karbala for Zyarah Ash-Shabania

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: Hundreds of thousands are flooding to the holy shrine of Al-Imam al-Hussain bin Ali bin Abi Talib (AS) in the holy city of Karbala to celebrate 15 Sha’ban marking the birth anniversary of the Imam of Era Al-Imam Al-Mehdi Al-Montazar (AS).

Galas marking Sha’ban mavalid continue in Imam Hussein City

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Sha’ban festivals in connection with the birth anniversaries of Al-Imam Al-Hussein, Al-Imam Ali Zein’ol Abidin, Abi’l Fazl Al-Abbas and Ali Al-Akbar, (peace be upon them) continuous in the holy city of Karbala.

UN slams 'brutal slay' of Asian pilgrims

BAGHDAD, Iraq: United Nations senior envoy to Iraq strongly condemned the "deliberate murder" of over a dozen foreign pilgrims while on their way to the Holy City of Karbala.

Iraq honors Grand Ayat martyr Sayyed Baqer As-Sadr

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Valuing his great and grand services for Iraq and Islam as well as his prominent remarkable role in struggle against Saddami dictatorship, Iraqi president Jalal Talabani has honored Grand Ayatullah martyr Sayyed Muhammad Baqer As-Sadr terming him “Great Martyr of Iraq and Islam”.

Najaf, Karbala security plan prepared as 15 Sha'ban nears

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: As Zyarah Ash-Shabaniya (Sha'ban 15) marking the birthday of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi Al-Montazar (A), holy Prophet (S)'s 12th infallible descendant, Iraqi interior ministry has announced a security plan for protection of millions of devotees who will come to holy cities of Najaf and Karbala to celebrate the occasion.

Imam Ali (A) greeted on Chief of Martyrs b-day

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: To mark the birth anniversary of Sibt-or Rasul Al-Imam Al-Hussein (A) a spiritual grand celebration was held on Sunday in the city of Imam Ali Al-Mortaza (A) – Holy Najaf.

Karbala hosts "spring of martyrdom" festival marking Sha'ban

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: A festival titled "spring of martyrdom" to mark the birth anniversaries of Al-Imam Al-Hussein, Abi'l Fazl Al-Abbas and Al-Imam As-Sajjad (a.s.) was held in the holy city of Karbala.

Imam Hussein (A) pilgrims from Asia martyred on their way

HOLY CITY OF KARBALA, Iraq: Thousands of Iraqis attended funeral of fourteen Pakistani and Indian pilgrims in the holy city of Kerbala, south of Baghdad, September 2, who were abducted and martyred in Iraq's western desert, police said on Saturday.

Over 5 million mourn Imam Kazem (p) in Kazemiyah

KAZEIMIYAH, Iraq: More than five million mourners commemorated the anniversary of martyrdom of Al-Imam Mousa bin Jafar Al-Kazem (peace be upon him) at his holy shrine in Al-Kazemiyah on Sunday August 20, Rajab 25, Buratha news reported.

Lack of public support, Iraq PM efficiency upsets Bush: NYT

WASHINGTON, United States: Quoting officials who recently attended a private meeting with the American President at the Pentagon, The New York Times reported US President George W. Bush is frustrated by the slow progress in Iraq and lack of public support for the American military there.

Bomb attack at Alawi shrine entrance martyrs, hurts over 150

HOLY NAJAF, Iraq: A suicide bomb attack at the gate of Alawi shrine compound in the holy city of Najaf on Thursday Aug. 10 left at least 40 pilgrims martyred and more than 110 injured.

Ayatullah Al-Hakim's 3rd martyrdom anniversary observed

Baghdad, Iraq: Third martyrdom anniversary of Ayatullah Sayyed Muhammad Baqer Al-Hakim, chairman Supreme Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) and son of grand marje of Shiia world Ayatullah Al-Uzma Sayyed Mohsin Al-Hakim (late), was observed in Iraq.

Waleed’ol Kabah (A) festivals continue in Najaf, Karbala

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Marking the auspicious occasion of birth anniversary of Waleed’ol Kabah (the one who was born in the House of Allah) Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (A), celebratory gatherings – festivals, mauled programs and exhibitions - continued across Iraq particularly in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.

Rebuild the Samarra Holy shrine; Hakim outlines 4 Steps to restore security in Iraq

SAMARRA, Iraq: The head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, leading group in Iraq government, Abdul Aziz al-Hakim outlined a four-step process that would restore law and order in Iraq.

Azzam-Allaho Ojurana …Askariyain shrine destroyed in terror attack

HOLY SAMARRA, Iraq: Azzam-Allaho Ojurana wa Ojurakom … A large explosion heavily damaged the glittering golden dome and Zarih of one of the most famous religious shrines– shrine of Imam Ali Naqi Al-Hadi and Imam Hasan Al-Askari (peace be upon them), 10th and 11th infallible descendants of holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his pure progeny), Wednesday in Samarra, sending millions of protesters pouring into the streets across the country including Holy Najaf.

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