Millions of Pilgrims Gather in Samarra to Commemorate Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him)
On the 8th of Rabi al-Awwal, the Iraqi city of Samarra witnessed the arrival of millions of pilgrims marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him). The commemoration turned the city into a center of mourning, draped in black flags and banners.
Samarra began receiving large numbers of visitors days before the anniversary, according to Shia Waves Agency. More than 950 service camps, or mawakib, have been established to provide food, shelter, medical care, and cultural programs to the pilgrims. Security forces have also implemented extensive measures to ensure safety during the gatherings.
Governor of Salah al-Din, Badr al-Fahal, declared Monday an official holiday to facilitate wider participation in the mourning rituals. The occasion highlighted both the spiritual attachment of Shia communities to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and the enduring tradition of mass pilgrimages to Samarra.
Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him), born in 232 AH in Medina, assumed leadership of the Shia community after the martyrdom of his father, Imam Ali al-Hadi (peace be upon him), in 254 AH. His short period of Imamate was marked by intense surveillance and restrictions under the Abbasid rulers, limiting direct contact with his followers to trusted representatives.
In 260 AH, at the age of 28, Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) was poisoned on the orders of the Abbasid caliph al-Mu‘tamid and buried beside his father in Samarra. Despite the pressures of his time, he played a pivotal role in explaining Islamic teachings and preparing the Shia community for the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).
Today, centuries later, Samarra continues to embody the devotion and loyalty of millions who gather to honor his memory, reaffirming the lasting relevance of his teachings.
