AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): As the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Musa Kadhim (AS) approaches, the holy city of Kadhimiya gets ready to host a large number of pilgrims.
The holy shrine of the seventh Shia Imam is in Kadhimiya, north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.
Tuesday, February 5, is the 25th day of the lunar Hijri month of Rajab, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Kadhim (AS).
The 7th Imam was poisoned and martyred on Rajab 25, 183 (September 5, 799 AD) in a prison in Baghdad.
Officials of the Astan (custodianship) of the holy shrine are expecting some ten million pilgrims in the coming days.
Saad al-Hujjiya, deputy secretary general of the Astan, said at a press conference that black flags and banners symbolizing mourning will be raised at the mausoleum on Friday.
He said a large number of pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, India, Pakistan, Lebanon and other countries are expected to visit the holy city in coming days.
He noted that at the order of the Iraqi prime minister’s office, a committee has been set up to ensure security and provide necessary services to the pilgrims.
The Iraqi health ministry has also deployed ambulances to the roads leading to the holy shrine and supplied necessary medicines and medical equipment to serve pilgrims needing treatment, he added.
The health ministry will also oversee the distribution of votive foods and beverages at Moukebs to make sure they meet health standards, al-Hujjiya went on to say.
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