Security measures have been stepped up as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have been arriving in the city to visit the mausoleum of Imam Ali (AS) on the auspicious occasion, al-Ahed news website reported.
Numerous Moukebs (pavilions serving food, sweets and beverages) have also been set up in different parts of the city.
Shia Muslims and others celebrate the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (AS) on the 13th day of the lunar month of Rajab (which falls on Saturday, February 4 this year).
Imam Ali (AS) was Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) highly revered son-in-law and cousin as well as the first Imam in Shia Islam.
The Imam is respected for his courage, knowledge, belief, honesty, unbending devotion to Islam, deep loyalty to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), equal treatment of all Muslims and generosity in forgiving his defeated enemies.
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