TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif issued a message on Friday thanking the Iraqi government and people for their efforts in hosting hundreds of thousands of Iranian pilgrims.

Zarif said the Arba’een ceremony shows unity which is based on “seeking justice and fighting extremism”.
Arba’een marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shiite Imam and grandson of Prophet Muhammad (S).

Zarif also thanked the religious figures residing in Iraq.

Iraqi state-run media said Wednesday that more than 22 million pilgrims visited Karbala, setting a record for the annual pilgrimage.

Addressing worshippers in Tehran, Ayatollah Emami Kashani also thanked the Iraqi government and grand ayatollahs in Iraq for arranging such a huge gathering in which 26 million people participated.

On Wednesday, Iran’s First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri also thanked the Iraqi government and people for holding the Arba’een ritual.

NA/PA