A Mosque built with Devotion and Purity of Heart

It has been well documented that Lady Gowharshad was a pious and devoted Muslim. Because of her piety, she decided to build a mosque next to the Holy Shrine Complex of Imam Reza (PBUH). Since the structure she wanted to commission was to be a place for the faithful to commune with God, she laid down certain rules that the construction workers and architects had to follow, while promising to pay them twice the normal rate of their work.

The first set of rules were that everyone connected with the building of the mosque must have ablution or wozo, must not use bad language or speak rudely, and in general have a good morals and behavior and to remember God often.

The second set of rules were that if animals were to be used, then these animals should not be mistreated or beaten, they should be fed and given water whenever they wanted, their mouths should not be closed with a muzzle, and they must not be forced to carry heavy loads.

The largest and oldest clock of the Haram

Originally, this clock was in Enghelab Courtyard, but due to its heaviness, the clock tower in Enghelab began to crack under its weight. So it was decided about 45 years ago to replace this clock with a lightweight one and install this clock in Azadi Courtyard. The old clock was made in Manchester, England and was donated by Amin al-Molk, the Prime Minister of Naseruddin Shah Qajar. The date on the bell is 1893 CE. Its toll is so loud that in the old days, when Mashhad was smaller, it could be heard throughout the entire city.

Muqarnas

Muqarnas refer to stalactite vaults, an architectural ornament developed around the middle of the tenth century in northeastern Iran. Like arches within arches, it has small pointed niches, stacked in tiers projecting beyond those below. The Haram holds magnificent examples of muqarnas, perhaps the most famous in Gowharshad Mosque. See section on Gowharshad Mosque for more information.

· Four main streets lead to the Holy Shrine: Ayatollah Shirazi St. from the west; Imam Reza (PBUH) St. from the south; Shaheed Navvāb Safāvi St. from the east; and Tabarsi St. from the north.

· The Holy Shrine Complex of Imam Reza (PBUH) is commonly referred to as the Haram by the locals. Haram is an Arabic term meaning forbidden and places that are guaranteed divine sanctuary like holy shrines or mosques are called the Haram.

· The entire Haram covers about 70 hectares; and it receives 20 million pilgrims annually!

There are five main entrances into the Holy Shrine Complex:

1) (Ayatollah) Shirazi St. Entrance

2) (Ayatollah) Tabarsi St. Entrance

3) (Shaheed) Navab Safavi St. Entrance

4) Imam Reza St. Entrance

5) Khosravi Noo St. Entrance

There are Security Checkpoints before all entrances into the Holy Shrine.

Given that over 20 million pilgrims visit the Shrine annually, responsible for the safely and security of the pilgrims and the Complex is a serious matter. One way to ensure safety and security is by these checkpoints. Male and female checkpoints are separated for convenience.

Aside from the security checkpoints, visitors should be aware of what is considered proper dress in the Holy Shrine Complex.

Required Religious dress or hijab

Following the dress code of the Holy Shrine helps preserve its spiritual atmosphere and is a sign of respect to the other pilgrims and the status of the Holy Imam (PBUH), and God; which in turn reflects back to you. In other words, to gain respect one must show respect.

There are a few chadors at the security checkpoints; however, it is better to buy one for yourself. Colored chadors can be purchased for a nominal fee, either at your hotel or in shops around the Shrine and large shopping centers. Just be sure to purchased already sewn ones and not pre-cut fabric that shouldbe sewn into chadors.

Nowadays you can buy chadors that are sewn closed and have sleeves, making it easy to wear, especially for newcomers to the chador.

If you end up wearing the traditional half-circle cut chador, it may be helpful to use straight pins or safety pins to keep it closed.

For females: Non-Iranians are not required to wear a chador as long as they are wearing their traditional clothing that fully covers their body. However, if you are not fully covered then you will be required to wear a chador.

As a general rule, traditional Iranian-style chador, chador melli, or Arab-style abayeh, is required for any female 9 years and older. Feet, hair, neck, and arms to the wrist must be covered. The facial area from the hairline to the chin does not have to be covered; wearing thin fabrics, strong perfume, and make-up is not allowed. Also, loud colors or shocking fashions are not suitable for this holy environment.

For males: Shorts, sleeve-less tops, and thin fabrics are forbidden and wearing loud colors are not suitable for this environment.

In general, a pilgrim / tourist should keep in mind that they are about to enter sacred ground, so their dress and behavior should reflect such a significant and highly spiritual visit.

Customs of the Haram

Custom of Dusting or Ghobar-Roobi of the Holy Burial Chamber

It is tradition for the holy burial chamber to be dusted several times throughout the year on special occasions, such as the Persian New Year and Eid holidays. It's a highly spiritual and touching ceremony. The main objective of such a ceremony is to clean the holy burial chamber. Afterward, the donations and other items dropped into the burial chamber are collected to be placing in sealed treasury bags. Pure high-grade rose water is used to wash the entire burial chamber. Simultaneously, the Holy Quran is continuously being recited.

Finally, when the rites and rituals are completed, small favors of prayer stones and rock candy are passed out to the lucky pilgrims standing nearby. Overall, the sections of the Haram near the holy burial chamber take on a special atmosphere during this ceremony.

Soffah Ceremony

This beautiful and highly spiritual ceremony is held twice daily, half an hour before sunrise and immediately after the evening and night prayers are finished. This ceremony is carried out by the Khaddam or volunteers and carpet spreaders of the Haram in Dar ol-Salam or Dar ol-Hafez Arcades. These volunteers in procession carry 14 candleholders, Quran holders, and Qurans. Then the Holy Quran and 12 verses of salutations to the Holy Imams (PBUT) are recited. Afterward, everyone recites supplications praising God, asking for the advent of the Savior, the last Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance) and Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and salvation of the world. It is a moving ceremony for all pilgrims.

Mourning Ceremonies and Processions in Moharram

In commemoration of the tragic events of Karbala, and because of the great love the Shi’ite followers have for the family or Ahul-Bait of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUT), mourning ceremonies are held around the city in public places and private houses for the first 10 days of the Islamic month. On the 9th and 10th day of Moharram, otherwise known as Tā’so’ra and Ā’sho’ra respectively, grand mourning processions are held on the four main roads leading to the Haram. These ceremonies and processions consist of laments and the striking of the chest or seeneh zani, done to express great sadness over the martyrdom of Imam Hossain (pbuh) and his 72 companions. Hundreds of thousands of mourners come from around the country and the world to participate in these ceremonies and share in the sadness. The atmosphere can be quite overwhelming at times.

Laments on the Night of Ashora

The observation of the night of Ashora otherwise known as "the Night of Loneness" or Shab-e-Ghareeban is a Shi’ite ritual that takes on a special meaning in the Haram of Imam Reza (PBUH). This night is the 10th day of Moharram, the night of the martyrdom of Imam Hossain (PBUH), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH&F) and 72 of his companions.

The chief custodian of Astan-e-Quds Razavi is the Head of Ceremony and many distinguished personalities are invited to this ceremony. It is a beautiful and tear-provoking ceremony with orators narrating the tragedy of Karbala in Dar al-Ziyafah Arcade.

After the narrations, the Head of Ceremony leads a procession of Haram attendants holding lit Iranian-style glass lanterns into Enghelab Courtyard, while reciters beautifully lament the events during and after Karbala.

What is Astan-e-Quds Razavi?

Astan-e-Quds Razavi is a non-government, non-profit foundation formed for the sole purpose of properly and efficiently administrating the funds of the Holy Shrine Complex, which are mainly acquired through endowments. Astan-e-Quds administers large pieces of land and property, monies, antiques, businesses, educational institutions, health facilities, religious institutes, and so forth; all of which are donated or acquired by the faithful lovers of Imam Reza (PBUH).

This is a great responsibility and includes a wide array of activities. It is also a heavy responsibility because the custodians of these endowments are accountable to God for how the donations of the faithful are spent.

The chief custodian of Astan Quds Razavi is Hujjatul Islam Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi.

Services

Maintenance of this great Complex requires an extraordinary vision and workforce. Currently, over 5000 are employed or are volunteers working for Astan-e-Quds. Such work includes the preservation, care, expansion, restoration, and repair of the entire Complex.

The Assistance Office of Sacred Premises and Pilgrims Affairs, is charged with the great duty of maintaining the spiritual atmosphere of the Haram.

The Voluntary Office or Khadameh is an amazing office because it is responsible for over 4000 volunteer attendants that serve Imam Reza (PBUH) by acting as humble doorkeepers or Darban, carpet spreaders and sweepers or Farrash, and shoe attendants or Kafsh’dar. Every day in groups of eight, 930 loyal volunteers report to duty to serve their beloved Imam (PBUH). This office works seven days a week, 24 hours a day without a holiday.

Services for Pilgrims and Tourists

Several offices have been established to develop and improve the conditions of the millions of pilgrims that come annually to the Haram. These offices are related to cultural, welfare, and service affairs.

Only the offices and kiosks relevant to pilgrim and tourist affairs are described below.

Cultural Affairs

Kiosks for Information and Pilgrims Guidance

Location: At all entrances of the Haram and in the main Office of Offering Information and Answering Religious Questions in Dar ol-Ejabah Arcade.

Brief Description: These kiosks offer maps of the Haram and other simple literature in Persian, English, and Arabic.

Office of International Relations and Foreign Pilgrims Affairs

Location: Dar ol-Rahmat Arcade (see the section on Arcades/Revaq)

Brief Description: This office’s main activities are to provide literature on the Holy Shrine, Imam Reza (PBUH), and on Shia Islam; not to mention keeping ties with pilgrims after returning to their hometowns via email and regular post.

At times foreign pilgrims and visitors, including non-Muslims, can arrange for guides to take them on a tour around the Haram.

This office also shows a 20-minute CD in English and Arabic on parts of the Haram that are off limits to non-Muslims. Every foreigner is welcome to view the presentation.

Lunch vouchers for foreign guests can be obtained there. However, these vouchers go fast so it is best to go to this office around 6:30 AM with the foreign passports of those who you wish to get vouchers for. Every day at around 1 PM lunch is served in the Grand Dining Hall or Mehman Sarā of Imam Reza (PBUH).

Office for Answering Religious Questions

Brief Description: The purpose of this office is to provide correct and religiously sound answers to religious questions that pilgrims may have. Considering the sensitivity of some issues, there are several male-only and female-only offices spread out around the Haram. There are times when someone in these offices can speak a foreign language, but to be on the safe side take a good interpreter with you.

Location of male-only offices: Enghelab and Azadi Courtyards, Gohar Shad Mosque, also in the main office of Offering Information and Answering Religious Questions in Shaykh Baha’i Sanctuary and at the entrance of Dar ol-Ejabah Arcade.

Location of female-only offices: Jomhori Islami Courtyard, Dar ol-Velayeh and Allahverdi Khan Arcade, and in the main office of Offering Information and Answering Religious Questions in Parrizad Seminary.

Welfare Services

Dar o-Shafa Hospital of Imam Reza (PBUH)

Location: the end of Shirazi St., across from the Haram

Brief Description: This hospital was originally opened in 1997 and then relocated in 2000 to its present location. It has all modern equipment and adequate facilities to treat patients 24/7 in the fields of cardiology, neurology, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology, pediatrics, urology, dermatology, general surgery, infectious diseases, radiology, pathology, emergency services, and wound dressing, casting, and administering injections and serum.

The hospital also has a Dental Polyclinic with general and specialized services.

Banquet Hall of Imam Reza (PBUH) or Mehmān Sarā-ye-Imam Reza (pbuh)

Location: on the north side of Shaykh Hurr-e-Ameli Sanctuary

Brief Description: Based on historical records the tradition of serving complimentary food to pilgrims at the Haram dates back to the Safavid era. Nowadays, there is a four-level Grand Dining Hall with two sections that include a large kitchen and dining hall that serves a maximum of 8,000 pilgrims, volunteers and official personnel of Astan-e-Quds, daily.

Foreign guests can obtain lunch vouchers at the Office of Islamic Relations and Foreign Pilgrims Affairs at Dar ol-Rahmat Arcade; however, these vouchers go fast so it is best to go to this office around 6:30 AM with the foreign passports of those who you wish to get vouchers for.

Additionally, these vouchers are randomly distributed at hotels, and other accommodations around the city for Iranian guests. If you give a donation of 100,000 toman you can get usually get a voucher.

Wheelchair Delivery System

Location: at all entrances of the Haram

Brief Description: Kiosks that offer wheelchairs to physically challenged pilgrims and senior citizens are available 24/7, along with an assistant. To use this service an identity card is required for deposit.

Electric Carts

Location: in Grand Razavi Courtyard

Brief Description: This service is offered to physically challenged pilgrims and senior citizens and takes them from Grand Razavi Courtyard to Azadi Courtyard. Assistance in fulfilling one’s pilgrimage is also offered. These services are available 24/7.

Pilgrims Aid Office

Location: in Azadi Courtyard

Brief Description: This office offers services to stranded pilgrims by helping them return to their hometowns, giving or lending them money, giving suitable clothes or shoes, arranging medical care at Dar-o-Shafah Hospital or other medical facilities, offering special pick up and drop off services for senior citizens and the physically challenged, and arranging for the financially challenged from outside of Mashhad to make the holy pilgrimage. If you have lost your shoes at the Haram, you can refer to this office for some plastic slippers.

Also, twice a year this office arranges for the critically ill and those hospitalized around Mashhad to make the pilgrimage to Imam Reza (PBUH).

Special pick up and drop off services for senior citizens and the physically challenged are also offered by this office on Tuesdays only. By arrangement, these pilgrims are picked up at their places of residence and taken to the Haram and then returned home.

Office of Reuniting Lost Persons

Location: located in Enghelab, Jomhori, and Azadi Courtyards, Gohar Shad Mosque, at the entrances of Shaykh Hurr-e-Ameli Arcade, Shaykh Tabarsi, Shaykh Toosi, and Bob ol-Javad (pbuh) and Bob ol-Reza (pbuh)

Brief Description: Since the Haram can at times become very busy and crowded, it is common for pilgrims to lose their way and get separated from their groups. This office works to reunite separated companions, family, and group members. Rooms to keep children until they are reunited with their parents or guardians are filled with toys, books and a TV to entertain them until they are picked up.

Another function of this office is to look for missing persons outside of the Haram. Working with the police, hospitals, and other related organizations, this office registers the names, and other relevant information of missing persons to assist in searching for them.

Office of Deposits and Lost and Found

This office has two departments: Deposits and Lost and Found

Department of Deposits

Brief Description: The Department of Deposits is charged with the responsibility of safely holding belongings and valuable items that do not pass the security checks or items that pilgrims feel uncomfortable to bring into the Haram. Depositors need only leave an identity card.

Note that items will only be given to the person whose picture is on the identity card. Also, take care to remember at which entrance you left your item.

Department of Lost and Found

Location: at all entrances of the Haram, Gohar Shad Mosque, Azadi Courtyard, Dar o-Seyadah (a female-only area), Dar al-Velayah, and Dar al-Soror Arcades

Brief Description: All items found within the Haram are taken to the Department of Lost and Found where they are kept until the owners retrieve them. Owners of lost items can refer to this department to report and retrieve their belongings. If an item is found and the owner left an address at this office, the item will be sent to them; otherwise, all items are kept for one year and then discarded appropriately.

Be wise! The Haram is usually busy and crowded. Do not take unnecessary items or valuables or even wear jewelry when making the pilgrimage. Try to keep your hands free and thus your mind free to focus on your pilgrimage. Also, try to avoid leaving your items at the Deposit Departments, as lines can get to be so long that it may take 30 minutes to deposit and retrieve an item; instead leave them at your hotel…

Endowment Offices

os-Soroor Arcade at the entrance of Azadi Courtyard, Dar ol-Velayeh Arcade , Dar ol-Ejabah, Gohar Shad Mosque, Enghelab Courtyard, the Grand Dining Hall, and at all entrances of the Haram

Brief Description: These offices register and accept the high volume of endowments and nazr of the faithful. Receipts are also given.

Endowments and promises or nazr are the main financial backbone of the entire Haram and Astan-e-Quds’ charity work. It's highly recommended to offer a monetary donation - amount is not important - before and/or after making the pilgrimage. Also, it's a religious practice for Muslims that are facing a hardship or want a special request from God, such as to be accepted in a good university, to make a promise that if their request is granted then they will donate something, usually money, to Imam Reza’s Haram. This act of generosity towards another is a sign of appreciation to God for His divine assistance. Offices have been placed around the Haram for your convenience or you can try to place the money inside one of the slots placed on top of the holy burial chamber.

Wozo khaneh

Wozo khaneh or places to make ablution have facilities for Muslims of the Sunni sect as well.

· Wozo khaneh are located in the East and West Ghadeer Commercial and Welfare Complex on the eastern and western sides of Grand Razavi Courtyard.

· Public toilets offer facilities for the elderly, handicapped, and for washing babies and changing diapers.

· Public toilets are located in Shaykh Bahā’i, Shaykh Hurr Amoli, Shaykh Toosi, and Shaykh Tabarsi Sanctuaries as well as in the East and West Ghadeer Commercial and Welfare Complex on the eastern and western sides of Grand Razavi Courtyard.