Iraqi Shiites commemorate revered Imam Moussa Al Kadhim amid tight security

Amid tight safety, hundreds of Shiite pilgrims on Sunday commemorated the anniversary of the dying of a revered eighth-century imam in Baghdad.

A pilgrimage to the golden-domed shrine in Baghdad’s northern Kadhimiyah district is one among a number of main Shiite spiritual occasions that draw tens of hundreds of pilgrims not solely from Iraq however from overseas.

Pilgrims commemorated the dying of Imam Moussa Al Kadhim, a great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and one of many 12 holiest imams revered by Shiites. He was put in jail by the Abbasid caliph Haroun Al Rasheed and died whereas incarcerated.

The annual commemoration culminated on Sunday with pilgrims carrying the imam’s symbolic coffin, wrapped in a inexperienced fabric whereas some pounded their chests in mourning. Some flagellated themselves with chains.

Contained in the ornately adorned shrine, a cleric recited the story of how Imam Al Kadhim was imprisoned after which poisoned by the caliph in 799 BC.

For days earlier than the anniversary, pious Shiites from throughout Iraq go to the shrine on foot. Tents are arrange alongside the highway to supply free drinks and meals in addition to medical companies.

To guard the pilgrims amid fears of assault by Sunni extremists, Iraq’s safety forces tighten safety measures in and round Baghdad, closing off main roads which are used to achieve the shrine.

Late on Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi visited members of the safety forces in Kadhimiyah and met officers to guage security measures taken to guard the pilgrims.

In 2005, rumours {that a} suicide bomber had infiltrated a procession led to a stampede on a bridge resulting in the shrine. Hundreds of pilgrims panicked and plenty of have been crushed within the crowd. Others jumped off the bridge and drowned, leaving round 1,000 lifeless.

The authorities blamed poor crowd management and the local weather of concern in Iraq for the catastrophe.

By Sunday afternoon, the authorities declared the occasion profitable and safe.

Up to date: February twenty eighth 2022, 7:13 AM