Mapping the funeral of Iran's Ali Khamenei: Ceremonies and gatherings from July 3 to 9

Millions of mourners will gather in Iran and Iraq for the funeral of Ali Khamenei, the late Supreme Leader, starting on July 3, 2026. The ceremonies will last for seven days, featuring religious rites and processions in various cities. The burial was postponed due to the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel.

Funeral Schedule and Locations

The funeral will begin in Tehran on July 3, where global leaders and religious figures are expected to pay their respects. The coffin will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla, allowing the public to bid farewell.

From July 4 to 5, public ceremonies will take place at the Grand Mosalla, one of Iran's largest prayer complexes. The funeral processions will then move to Qom, a city known for its significance in Shia Islam, on July 6 and 7.

Significance of Qom and Najaf

Qom is home to Iran’s largest seminaries, where many scholars, including Khamenei, studied. After the ceremonies in Tehran, the body will be taken to Najaf, Iraq, on July 8, for processions in the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, which are vital to Shia identity.

The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf and the shrines of Imam Hussein and Imam Abbas in Karbala are among the most revered sites in Shia Islam, drawing millions of pilgrims annually.

Final Burial in Mashhad

The final burial ceremony is scheduled for July 9 at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Khamenei's birthplace. This location is significant as Imam Reza is a central figure in Shia Islam. Khamenei's burial near such a revered figure symbolizes his dual role as a political and religious leader.

His burial in Mashhad, where he spent much of his early life, reflects both his personal and political legacy.