“Imam Reza shrine convoys boost Islamic unity”, cleric

Ayatollah Mohsen Haidari made the remarks at a ceremony marking the 18th anniversary of the establishment of convoys of servants from the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), also known as Under the Shade of Sun Convoys, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

The convoys carry a flag of Imam Reza shrine and souvenirs from the holy site to different cities and countries for those unable to go on the pilgrimage to the shrine located in northeastern city of Mashhad.

He said the convoys have served as a symbol of Islamic unity among followers of different Islamic denominations.

According to the Friday prayer leader of Ahvaz, the convoy has toured many Iranian cities and villages as well as countries like Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

The cleric said,” Displaying the flag of Imam Reza shrine overseas is both a symbol of the shrine and a media for guidance of people”.

Ayatollah Haidari noted that the Christian scholars in Beirut, the venue for an international interfaith conference on the eighth Shia Imam, warmly welcomed the flag of Razavi shrine.

The convoys of servants from the holy shrine of Imam Reza are expected to hold more than 15,000 events in over 2,000 locations across the country, mainly hospitals, cultural centers, mosques and remote villages.

The events are mainly held during the Karamat Ten-Days Celebrations, that mark the birth anniversary of Imam Reza (AS) and his sister Hazrat Masoumeh in over a week- long ceremonies.

Slated for April 29-May 9, 2025, the event will have more than 65 caravans from inside the country and 15 to 20 from outside the country.