Imam Reza Shrine aglow with vigil, celebration, illumination on mid‑Sha‘ban eve

Pilgrims at Imam Reza Shrine marked the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (the 12th Shia Imam) with night‑long prayers, celebrations and extensive illumination across the courtyards.

Imam Reza Shrine, in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, hosted large gatherings on the eve of mid‑Sha‘ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, as pilgrims commemorated the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance).
Worshippers filled Imam Khomeini Portico for the night vigil, reciting Quran, supplications and the invocation “O God, hasten the reappearance of Your Guardian.”
The program began with Quran recitation, followed by an explanation of the recommended acts of mid‑Sha‘ban.
Delivering a sermon on theological foundations of Imamate, Ayat. Seyyed Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri described the opening verses of Surah Hadid as among the most profound expressions of divine unity.
“True faith requires dedicating one’s abilities and resources to supporting divine guidance, adding that the present era may be understood as a “time before the victory,” in which steadfastness alongside the Imam protects believers from misguidance”, he said.
Pilgrims also recited Ziyarat Imam Mahdi, Ziyarat Seyyed al‑Shuhada and Kumayl supplication.
As celebrations continued, the courtyards became scenes of joy and devotion. Colorful lights, decorative banners and floral arrangements adorned the shrine, while the sound of salawat (peace be upon Prophet Muhammad and his family) echoed across the illuminated spaces.
Some young couples chose this auspicious night to solemnize their marriage vows beside the shrine.
Also, a special celebration titled “Birth of the Soul of the World” was held after the evening prayers, featuring the recitation of Ziyarat Aminullah. Further, Hoj. Naser Rafiei outlined key principles of Mahdism, including the universality of the Imam’s mission and the global establishment of justice.
In preparation for the festivities, more than 23,000 meters of lighting were installed across the courtyards and entrances of Imam Reza Shrine. Programmable LED strands were added around Bab al‑Kadhim and Bab al‑Hadi, while major porticos were decorated in green and warm tones to harmonize with the shrine’s spiritual architecture.