ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraq’s powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Saturday called for a million-person pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf in celebration of Eid al-Ghadir.  

“Believers should visit the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf on the day of his inauguration as Caliph and Guardian of the faithful, men and women,” Sadr wrote in a post on X. “This is a pilgrimage of pledge, allegiance, and loyalty.”  

Eid al-Ghadir, celebrated on June 13 and 14, is considered one of the most important holidays among Shiite Muslims. It is the time when the Islamic Prophet Muhammad appointed Imam Ali as his successor, according to Shiite interpretations.  

Last year, for the first time, Iraqis celebrated Eid al-Ghadir as a national holiday.

The recognition of Eid al-Ghadir as a national holiday marks a significant moment for Iraq, reflecting its cultural and religious heritage and promoting a message of unity and peace.

"I advise you to organize and cooperate with the security forces, who in turn must carry out their security duties as we have always known them,” Sadr said.  

Sadr announced his “definitive” retirement from politics in August 2022 after his attempts to form a national majority government were repeatedly blocked by the Coordination Framework.  

Sadr in March announced he would not be participating in the upcoming elections and called on his followers not to vote or run for office, citing ongoing “corruption” in the country.  

Iraq is set to hold parliamentary elections on November 11, with more than 29 million voters eligible to cast their ballots in the upcoming polls.