When is Martyrdom of Imam Reza?
In 2026, Martyrdom of Imam Reza falls on Thursday, August 13, 2026. It is classified here as a Iranian public holiday.
History of Martyrdom of Imam Reza
Imam Reza is the eighth Imam in Twelver Shi'a Islam. The Abbasid caliph al-Ma'mun appointed him heir apparent and brought him east, but Imam Reza died in Tus in 818. Shi'a tradition remembers the death as poisoning and martyrdom; the shrine that developed around his burial transformed the settlement into Mashhad, literally a place of martyrdom.
The anniversary draws pilgrims to the Imam Reza shrine complex for prayer, elegies and mourning. Iranian broadcasting and religious institutions also carry programmes nationwide. Its proximity to the 28 Safar commemoration creates consecutive public holidays in many years, yet they retain separate historical identities and guide pages.
Imam Reza, the eighth Twelver Imam, died in Tus in 818 and is buried at the shrine complex that shaped modern Mashhad. Shi'a tradition commonly describes his death as martyrdom, while the precise historical circumstances are discussed by historians. Iran’s public calendar follows 29 Safar for the anniversary. In 2026 that is August 13, immediately after the combined mourning day for Muhammad and Imam Hasan, making Mashhad pilgrimage and transport especially busy.
How Martyrdom of Imam Reza is observed
A nationwide public holiday on 29 Safar; pilgrimage traffic, security arrangements and accommodation demand can be especially high in Mashhad.
Traditions of Martyrdom of Imam Reza
Mashhad pilgrimage
Pilgrims visit the Imam Reza shrine for prayer, mourning recitation and participation in ceremonies across the extensive sanctuary complex.
Elegies and sermons
Mosques and religious centres throughout Iran hold majlis gatherings that recount Imam Reza’s life, journey east and death.
Pilgrim service
Volunteers and charities provide food, water, transport assistance or accommodation to pilgrims travelling during the closely spaced Safar holidays.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Iranian official and legal guidance. Solar Hijri and lunar dates, plus annual public-service schedules, should be confirmed against official notices.
History sources: Iran: Law determining official public holidays, JICA Iran Office: 2026 holiday calendar, JETRO: Iran public holidays in 2026, ILO NATLEX: Labour Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iranian calendar 1405: official occasions and closures.
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