Shia Muslims celebrate the birthday anniversary of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad in Mashhad, the spiritual capital of Iran.

Thousands of Muslims throng the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Iran's northeastern city of Mashhad to mark the birthday anniversary of Imam Reza (AS).

Every year, millions of Shia Muslims visit his magnificently decorated shrine in Mashhad to pay homage to him.

As the birth anniversary of Imam Reza (AS) approaches, more and more pilgrims arrive in Mashhad on foot.

Muslims believe without the Imams, Islam, as introduced by the Prophet, could have gone astray.

Imam Reza (AS) holds a special position among Iranians since he spent his last years in Iran.

Iranians regard Imam Reza as bliss, a bountiful source of spirituality that never ceases to pacify the pilgrims of his shrine.