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Iran prepares final farewell for President Raisi at holy Shiite site

 

Iran prepares final farewell for President Raisi at holy Shiite site

Iran on May 23 prepared to lay late President Ebrahim Raisi to rest at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, the most important pilgrimage site in Shiite Islam. This final ceremony concludes the processions across Iran seeking to commemorate Raisi and other officials killed in the helicopter crash.

However, the mourning rituals did not attract as large crowds as for Revolutionary Guard general Qassem Soleimani in 2020. This could reflect public sentiments after a violent crackdown on protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in custody. The government suppressed all dissent and avoided discussing economic troubles or Raisi's role in mass executions during the Iran-Iraq war.

In Birjand, Raisi's hometown, thousands gathered in black along the main road as his casket passed by truck. Mourners reached out to touch the casket and leave tokens for a blessing. The truck bore a sign saying "This is the shrine," referencing Imam Reza's burial site.

Burial at the shrine is a great honor, as the 8th Imam is interred there and it is a major pilgrimage center. A hadith attributes relieving sorrow and sin to visiting. In 2016, Supreme Leader Khamenei appointed Raisi to run the Imam Reza charity foundation overseeing the shrine's vast business interests.

Raisi will be the first top politician honored with burial at the shrine. His death comes at a sensitive time as Iran faces domestic and international challenges without a clear presidential successor ahead of June elections. Acting President Mokhber has assumed responsibilities until a new leader emerges.

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