Over 1000 years has passed since Imam Reza’s (PBUH) martyrdom, and present day Mashhad has grown into a large metropolis that annually hosts over 20 million pilgrims and tourists, and the gravesite of Imam Reza has growing into a grand spiritual complex to accommodate these pilgrims. Indeed, the artistic architecture of this complex is a definite must-see and the spiritual atmosphere is wondrous!

Nevertheless, why do so many people make the pilgrimage to this Holy shrine?

The Shia Muslims believe that Imam Reza (PBUH) was an infallible Imam or leader with a flawless character and a direct descendent of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH&F), sent for the benefit of humanity, and was martyred for carrying out his God-given mission. All of these points gives Imam Reza (PBUH) a high status with God and thus in the hearts of Shi’ites. Hence, we consider it our religious duty to make pilgrimage to his holy shrine whenever possible. The Holy Shrine is also a place of miracles and seeking intercession from the Holy Imam on behalf of the supplicant. In fact, there are many narrations or ahadith of the holy Prophet Mohammad and Imams (PBUT) speaking about the blessings of such a pilgrimage.

One such narration from the first Imam, Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH), on the authority of the Holy Prophet (PBUH&F) says:

“One of my own flesh and blood will be buried in Khorasan. God the High will surely remove the sorrows of any sorrowful person who goes on pilgrimage to his shrine. Moreover, God will surely forgive the sins of any sinful person who goes on pilgrimage to his shrine.”

Another important reason pilgrimage is made to Imam Reza’s (PBUH) holy shrine is to ask the Holy Imam (PBUH) to intercede on one’s behalf before God, to alleviate some ailment or difficulty. Annually, 20 million pilgrims, not solely Muslims or Shi’ites, make this spiritual pilgrimage seeking divine miracles. In fact, there is an office to investigate and record such miracles at the Holy Shrine.