German Study Finds Imam Reza Shrine Visits Improve Mental Well-Being

German Study Finds Imam Reza Shrine Visits Improve Mental Well-Being
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A recent study from the University of Tübingen in Germany has highlighted the positive psychological impact of visiting the shrine of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Reza in Holy Mashhad, Iran. Conducted by Professor Katharina Müller, the research found that such visits help reduce feelings of depression, despair, and anxiety among Shi’a pilgrims, while also strengthening social and spiritual bonds.

The study tracked participants at multiple stages, including preparations for travel, during the journey, upon entering the shrine, and after returning home. Findings indicated that the pilgrimage experience not only serves as a religious practice but also reinforces individual and collective identity, offering pilgrims a deep sense of belonging and peace. Müller suggested that the results open avenues for broader research into the psychological and social dimensions of religious rituals.