Hundreds of Azeri-speaking pilgrims visit Imam Reza Shrine

Coinciding with the final ten days of Safar and the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Reza, 350 Azeri-speaking pilgrims were welcomed as guests at Imam Reza Shrine, in Mashhad, northeast Iran.
The group—comprising pilgrims from the republics of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan returning from the Arbaeen pilgrimage—was received by the shrine’s servants as they entered the courtyard of the “Gracious Imam.”
Amidst a spiritual atmosphere, the pilgrims offered their respects and devotion to Imam Reza.
Upon entering the luminous sanctuary of Imam Reza, the pilgrims first performed their visitation rites. They subsequently gathered in the Dar al-Hidayah Portico of the holy shrine to engage in private prayer and meditation in the presence of the eighth Shia Imam.
Following their prayers and the recitation of pilgrimage texts, the pilgrims participated in specialized cultural and religious programs organized by Imam Reza Shrine, facilitated by the Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs.
Hoj. Altay Sultan-Of, a religious expert and Azerbaijani-speaking speaker at the shrine, delivered a lecture during the spiritual gathering. 
He addressed the significance of ‘Wilayah’ (guardianship) within religious culture, explained the etiquette of pilgrimage, and highlighted the virtues and miracles of Imam Reza, as well as the spiritual rewards associated with visiting him.
The cultural itinerary for the caravan extended beyond the Dar al-Hidayah Portico. The pilgrims also visited the Central Museum of Astan Qods Razavi, where they were introduced to various precious artifacts and significant historical treasures within the museum’s collection.