Beginning of Islamic Unity Week ceremonies in Birjand, South Khorasan Province (photo)

Shia and Sunni citizens in Birjand, capital of South Khorasan Province in Iran, convene to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Rabi al-Awwal 12th, based on Sunni Islam. The week concurrent with the birth anniversary of the prophet of Islam is named as Islamic Unity Week, an inspiration of late Imam Khomeini (RA) in a bid to strengthen the solidarity of the two Islamic denominations Shia and Sunni.