Millions Gather in Najaf, Karbala for Historic Funeral of Iran's Martyred Leader

Streets leading to the holy shrine of Imam Ali (AS) in Najaf were packed with vast crowds chanting "Labbaik ya Hussain" and "Labbaik ya Khamenei" as they bid an emotional farewell to the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

Local Iraqi media outlets reported that the procession in Najaf commenced from the Kufa Bridge toward the holy shrines amid an unprecedented public gathering of people arriving from various provinces, reflecting profound spiritual and social bonds.

Over 2 Million Process in Najaf Under Strict Security Monitoring

The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU/Hashd al-Shaabi) media center announced that the number of participants in the Najaf procession exceeded 2.3 million, with mourning groups continuing to enter the city.

Lieutenant General Saad Maan, the official spokesman for the Supreme Funeral Committee of the late Leader, confirmed that the committee closely monitored the details of the public procession to ensure safety and coordinate traffic flow. Iraqi security forces, service providers, and local mowkebs (hospitality tents) worked around the clock to manage the massive influx.

The Al-Sumaria News network highlighted the scale of the turnout, noting it demonstrates the deep reverence for the late Leader's spiritual status and underscores the strong ties connecting the masses with his religious authority.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, who arrived in Najaf on Tuesday evening, was among the high-ranking figures attending the events, alongside Ammar al-Hakim, head of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement (Hikma).

Journalists captured profoundly emotional scenes inside the shrine of Imam Ali (AS), where mourners carried images of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, alongside his personal belongings and prayer rugs. Iraqi security personnel and citizens were seen weeping as the coffins passed. In the crowds, flags of Iraq, Iran, the Hashd al-Shaabi, and Kata'ib Hezbollah were raised alongside red flags symbolizing the call for justice and retribution, while anti-US slogans echoed through the streets.

Funeral prayers were held inside the Imam Ali (AS) shrine for the late Leader and members of his family, including his 14-month-old great-grandson, followed by the traditional circumambulation (tawaf) rituals around the holy tomb.

Karbala Anticipates 7 Million Mourners Before Transfer to Iran

The mourning ceremonies extended to the holy city of Karbala, where an unprecedented, somber atmosphere filled the area between the two holy shrines (Bayn al-Haramayn). Local markets and shops were decorated with portraits of the late Leader, while thousands of foreign pilgrims, particularly from Iran and Turkey, arrived specifically to participate.

Field sources reported that the bodies of the late Leader’s family members arrived in Karbala first, where they were received by thousands of mourners and religious scholars at the holy shrines of Imam Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS) for final prayers and honors.

The Al-Mayadeen television network reported that Karbala has entered a state of maximum public mobilization, with initial estimates indicating that nearly 7 million mourners are gathering in the province to await the arrival of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s body for the final farewell rituals.

This marks the final stage of the funeral procession in Iraq before the bodies are transferred to the holy city of Mashhad, Iran, for burial on Thursday.