A number of American Shia Muslims who are originally from Pakistan, visited the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in the Iranian city of Mashhad.

The pilgrims were warmly welcomed by Astan Quds Razavi’s Deputy Office for Non-Iranian Pilgrims’ Affairs and enjoyed special religious programs organized by the office.

On the sideline of the visit, one of the members, Mohammad, said: “This is my second success to visit Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine and I am so grateful to God for giving me this pleasant opportunity”.

The Pakistani-American Muslim  , who has converted for about eight years, added: “I would like to come to Imam Reza (AS) shrine once a year and I do my best to fulfill the intention but things are not gone so well always”.

Pointing to the energy he receives while being under the golden dome and visiting the burial chamber, Mohammad said: “Every journey has its own difficulties, but when the person is a real pilgrim, he changes the difficulties into good memories”.

He said that things went in a way that he traveled to Mashhad on the eve of the days for commemorating Imam Hossein’s (AS) martyrdom, adding “The most difficult day of the trip will be the day I am going to leave the shrine as I will leave someone whom I love”.

The American group, most members of which were first-time pilgrims to  Imam Reza (AS)  holy shrine, also visited AQR’s central library and received cultural and blessed gifts granted by the office.

Source: en.shafaqna.com