Pilgrimage, knowledge guide path to true devotion: Custodian 

The Custodian of Astan Qods Razavi (AQR), Ayat. Ahmad Marvi, addressed the traditional Khotbeh Khani (recitation-of-sermon) ceremony held on the eve of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza at Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, northeast Iran.
Extending condolences on the demise anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hassan (AS), and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza (AS), he underscored the need to preserve believers’ bond with teachings of Ahl al-Bayt.
Ayat. Marvi stated: “We must always maintain a spirit of steadfastness, active presence and resistance against enemies, because much remains ahead of us.”
Referring to Imam Reza’s words on status of his pilgrims, he noted: “Imam Reza stated: ‘Visitors to my tomb will be among most honored delegations before God on Day of Resurrection.’”
The top official explained that a pilgrim’s distinction depends on knowledge of Imam and practical commitment to his teachings. 
He added: “The greater a pilgrim’s knowledge and obedience, the more elevated and distinguished his or her position will be”.
“God has granted us honor of becoming pilgrims of Imam Reza,” Ayat. Marvi said. “Yet we should not be content with this alone. We must deepen our knowledge and, consequently, strengthen our adherence to Imam.”
Citing a Quranic verse that says those closest to Abraham are those who followed him, AQR’s Custodian maintained: “Physical proximity or family lineage alone cannot bring genuine nearness to God’s chosen servants”.
He explained: “True closeness is attained through affinity with God’s guardian, founded upon knowledge, love, obedience and following”. 
Ayat. Marvi referred to Uways al-Qarani as a model for believers, noting: “Although he did not meet Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime, his knowledge and adherence to prophetic teachings elevated him to a lofty spiritual rank”.
He stated: “A person may have limited social or economic means, yet still grow and ascend spiritually. Uways al-Qarani is proof and an example for us.”
The AQR Custodian described pilgrimage as an opportunity to align one’s spirit and life with teachings of Imam Reza. “Although believers do not see Imam Reza with their physical eyes or hear his words directly, Imam’s guidance for attaining happiness in this world and Hereafter remains available to them”.
“Pilgrimage means polishing our souls, purifying our hearts and cleansing our inner selves at this sacred shrine,” he explained. 
“We should remove spiritual impurities and free ourselves of hatred, resentment, jealousy and moral vices in order to earn title of a true pilgrim”, Head of AQR continued.
Ayat. Marvi also recalled a deeply moving pilgrimage at Imam Reza Shrine several years ago. He noted: “After a religious ceremony had concluded, a prominent visitor remained in prayer beside tomb of Imam Reza for around 20 minutes”.
Reflecting on that moment, Ayat. Marvi stated: “I do not know what passed there or what occurred between him and Imam Reza. Such matters are beyond my understanding.”
He added that people of spiritual insight may form profound, unspoken bonds with Imam Reza. “This shrine has its own people,” he said, referring to those whose deep spiritual connection with Imam Reza may be difficult for others to comprehend.