Mass Observance in Samarra and Balad
For the first time since 2003, Shi’a Muslims participated in a mass pilgrimage to the holy city of Samarra July 7.
A mass celebration was held in honor of the former Shi’a Supreme Islamic Iraqi leader, Imam Sayyid Baqir al-Sadr. Thousands made the pilgrimage to Samarra to show their respect for the anniversary of Baqir’s death on this date 28 years ago.
Baqir could trace his ancestry back to the Holy Prophet Muhammad through the Seventh Imam, Imam Musa al-Kadhim. He had many followers in Iraq prior to his brutal death in 1980.
The day was full of celebration and remembrance and demonstrated that security has improved to a level that an event such as this could be held in the once precarious city of Samarra.
Iraqi Security Forces provided protection along the route from Karbala to Samarra, where over 110 buses carrying the pilgrims traveled to the northern-Iraqi city.
“At this time last year, Samarra was a city under siege by al-Qaeda criminals and criminal activity,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Hauerwas, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “Today, Shi’a pilgrims came to the Al Asharia Shrine because of their faith in the Iraqi Security Forces and the overall security of Samarra.”
Balad, a predominately Shia city, also held a ceremony paying respect to Baqir.
A few thousand joined in the celebration there as many of the gatherers packed the Sayyid Muhammad Mosque with no incidents.
“The celebration in Balad today was marked by large crowds gathering peacefully and enjoying the day out with their families,” said Maj Timothy Brumfield, 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment executive officer. “This is largely possible due to the sharp decline in violence resulting from scores of former criminals choosing another life and reconciling with the Iraqi Government.”
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