Mashhad (IP) - Iranians are celebrating the birthday of Imam Reza (PBH), one of the most inspiring religious figures for Shiite Muslims.

Iran Press/Iran news: Large crowds, from across Iran and many parts of the world, particularly from neighboring countries, have gathered in holy shrine of Imam Reza (PBH) to engage in celebratory activities on the merry occasion.

Imam Ali bin Mousa al-reza (PBUH), the eighth Imam of Shiites, is of the progeny of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) and his eighth successor.

At age 35 he became the leader of the Islamic Ummah. His life was contemporary to the Abbasid reign and therefore, he suffered great difficulties made by the Abbasids. Finally, he was martyred by Ma'moon (the contemporary Abbasid Caliph) at the age of 55.

The shrine of Ali bin Mousa al-reza is visited by nearly 30 million people annually turning Mashhad into one of the biggest pilgrimage destinations in the world and the holiest spot in Iran. 101/215

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