Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral Procession To Pass Through Former Rival Iraq's Two Cities; Why Are These Stops Significant?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Funeral: The funeral procession of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is underway in Iran and has drawn thousands of mourners. The seven-day funeral route includes several important religious and political locations. However, the inclusion of two major Iraqi cities has drawn significant attention, given the fact that Iran and Iraq were once bitter rivals.

Funeral Procession Reaches Qom

The funeral route, which started from Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, one of Iran’s largest state prayer complexes on July 3, has now reached Qom. On Tuesday, thousands of people gathered in the holy city of Qom, where Khamenei’s remains were taken to the Jamkaran Mosque, a major religious site associated with the awaited Mahdi, the 12th Imam in Shia belief.

Where Were The First And Second Stops?

Before reaching Qom, the second stop was at Tehran's Imam Hossein Square to Azadi (Freedom) Square. A major funeral procession was held on Monday, covering around 10 kilometres. It began at Imam Hossein Square, named after Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam and a symbol of sacrifice and martyrdom.

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The procession then passed through Tehran University, where Khamenei often delivered iortant Friday sermons, before ending at Azadi (Freedom) Square. Prior to this, from July 3 to July 5, Khamenei’s coffin was placed at Grand Mosalla. The location is closely linked with Iran’s religious and political leadership, as it is also used for major national events and Friday prayers led by the Supreme Leader.

Why Khamenei’s Funeral Route Includes Iraqi Cities?

After Qom, the funeral route will enter Iraq on July 8, with stops at the shrines of Imam Ali in Najaf and Imam Hussein in Karbala. These places are considered two of the holiest sites in Shia Islam and hold immense importance for Shia Muslims in both Iran and Iraq. This is one of the reasons why Khamenei’s procession will be passed through these cities.

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Despite fighting a devastating eight-year war from 1980 to 1988, Iran and Iraq share deep religious and cultural connections through Shia Islam. While Najaf is home to the shrine of Imam Ali, considered the first Shia Imam and a central figure in Shia Islam, Karbala houses the shrine of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

Burial In Mashhad

From Iraqi cities, Khamenei’s remains will be brought back to Iran. He will be buried on July 9 in Mashhad, his hometown in the northeastern part of the country. Mashhad is considered one of the most important religious places in Iran as it is home to the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. The name Mashhad means “Place of Martyrdom”. The city attracts millions of pilgrims every year. According to reports, Khamenei had chosen Mashhad as the place for his burial.

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