1,000 Imam Reza Shrine Servants Mobilized to Support Arbaeen Pilgrims in Iraq – Society/Culture news

With the approach of Arbaeen and increasing numbers of pilgrims in Iraq, servants of the Imam Reza (AS) shrine have established support camps—known as Mukibs—in key pilgrimage centers including Najaf, Karbala, Kadhimiya, and Samarra.

Seyed Ali Bamashki, director of shrine services, stated that the deployment is coordinated with Arbaeen operations and reflects an expansion of service efforts beyond the Mashhad shrine to border points and various Iraqi cities.

Three official caravans and several grassroots teams have been sent to Iraq. Camps set up by the volunteers operate under the name of Imam Reza (AS), with many managed by local organizers supported by Astan Quds Razavi.

A dedicated group titled “Ambassadors of the Kind Nation” has also been dispatched to honor fellow servants and deliver symbolic items—such as the shrine’s flag and sacred memorabilia—to camps along pilgrimage routes.

The first team departed last week, followed by a second caravan carrying additional staff and supplies. Altogether, around 1,000 uniformed servants are currently active in Iraq and at Iran’s southeastern and southwestern border crossings.

Their tasks include preparing and distributing meals, hosting pilgrims, providing basic medical services, organizing cultural programs, repairing equipment, and distributing traditional items like rock salt, candy, and bread. According to officials, the initiative began in late July and will continue beyond Arbaeen.

Following the conclusion of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, shrine servants will return to Mashhad to assist in ceremonies marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza (AS) during the final days of Safar.

In Kadhimiya, the Imam Reza shrine’s shoe-keepers have also resumed their annual Arbaeen service. Jafar Kheirzadeh, head of the shoe-keepers’ shift, said the group received spiritual approval for their journey and departed via Mashhad’s railway terminal.

Their camp will operate for ten days starting August 6, stationed in the Bab-e-Ali courtyard. Services will include the daily distribution of over 2,000 breakfasts and 6,000 servings of lunch and dinner, along with fresh bread.

Fifty male staff are handling food preparation and logistics, while female volunteers assist with bread baking. The camp aims to reflect the spiritual connection between Imam Reza’s (AS) servants and the millions of pilgrims walking toward Karbala.

“I hope that through unity and tireless dedication, this sincere and humble service will earn satisfaction of pilgrims and the blessings of Imam Reza (AS) and Imam Hussein (AS),” Kheirzadeh said.