Shia Muslims across the globe are commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza, the 8th Shia Imam and rightful successor to Prophet Mohammad. In Iran, especially in the holy city of Mashhad, millions of mourners have gathered at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), to mark this sad day in history, reciting elegies in groups, and giving out to charity or free food to the mourners. Back in 818 A.D., the Abbasid ruler, Ma\\\'moun, forcibly brought Imam Reza (AS) to the northeastern Iranian province of Khorasan from Medina in Saudi Arabia. Two years later the rightful successor to Prophet Mohammad was, imprisoned, poisoned and murdered by Ma�mun. He was buried in this place called Mashhad al-Reza, or the place of martyrdom of Imam Reza (AS). Imam Reza (AS) is the only Shia Imam reposing in Iran. Imam Reza (AS) directed Muslims to the right path and removed deviated views of those who tried to distort Islam. This way the Holy Imam safeguarded and propagated the principles of Islam during his lifetime, until the vicious ruler of the time decided to eliminate him. His holy Shrine is now one of the most extensively visited pilgrimage centers in the world. Show Less >>