Arbaeen ceremonies held at Imam Reza (AS) shrine in Mashhad

On August 4, 2026, pilgrims from across Iran gathered at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad to observe Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. The shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, hosted a large number of mourners who participated in ceremonies and processions to commemorate the occasion.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with millions of Shia Muslims converging on the city of Karbala in Iraq each year. However, many also mark the day at other holy sites, including the shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad, which is the eighth Shia Imam.

According to Mehr News Agency, the event in Mashhad drew pilgrims from different parts of Iran, who expressed their devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad (s)). The ceremonies included mourning rituals, recitations of elegies, and lectures highlighting the lessons of Karbala.

The report by Mehr News Agency added that the shrine authorities had made arrangements to accommodate the large number of visitors, ensuring that the faithful could participate in the observances comfortably. The atmosphere at the shrine was one of solemnity and reverence, as the pilgrims reflected on the sacrifices of Imam Hussein (AS) and his followers.

Arbaeen this year falls on August 4, according to the report, and the occasion is observed with great fervor across the Shia world. The event in Mashhad is part of a broader series of commemorations held in Iran and other countries, underscoring the enduring significance of the tragedy of Karbala in Islamic history.