Hundreds of volunteers fluent in multiple languages serve intl. pilgrims at Imam Reza Shrine round the clock

The director in charge of Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs at Astan Qods Razavi (AQR) says some 700 multilingual volunteers are providing continuous assistance to international pilgrims at Imam Reza Shrine with programs structured by language and regional needs.

According to Mehdi Lesani, “700 trained volunteers fluent in multiple languages work round the clock to support international caravans visiting Imam Reza Shrine”.
He outlined last year’s main cultural and religious programs designed specifically for non-Iranian visitors.
According to the director, the initiative provides continuous spiritual services inside designated halls, organized according to the language needs of pilgrims. Visitors take part in programs in Melal Portico for English speakers, Ghadir Portici for Urdu speakers, Dar al-Rahmah Portico and Ghadir Courtyard for Arabic speakers, and additional spaces inside Dar al-Rahmah Portico for Azeri-language ceremonies.
The ongoing events include congregational prayers, sermons, devotional recitations, and readings of supplications. International speakers and reciters from Iran and neighboring countries also participate, offering sermons and performances for different language groups.
Lesani added: “Under the caretaker’s direction, newly printed Qurans in Urdu translation and in a script commonly used in South Asia have been placed inside Ghadir Portico. For Arabic-speaking pilgrims, copies of the Quran, Sahifa Sajjadiyah, Nahj al-Balaghah, and Oyoun Akhbar al-Reza are available inside Dar al-Rahmah Portico”.
He went on to say: “The project includes technical upgrades such as large-format screens installed in Dar al-Rahmah Portico, along with two wide-display monitors in Ghadir Courtyard to improve visual presentations for non-Iranian visitors”.
Lesani also described an educational program titled Fi Rahab al-Qur’an wa al-Itrah, which offers teachings on the Quran, Islamic scholarship, Sahifa Sajjadiyah, Nahj al-Balaghah, and Oyoun Akhbar al-Reza.
Books relevant to each language group are placed in the porticos to support the sessions. A section on Shi’a cultural heritage is also included.
Also, two days of Quran instruction and two days of Islamic studies classes are organized, with participants taking part in recitations and discussions.