This study seeks to qualitatively examine the pattern of pilgrims’ communication with the object of pilgrimage in Shia religious culture based on the method of content analysis. For this purpose, interviews have been conducted with twenty-seven Iranian men and women in the city of Mashhad. Mashhad is the mausoleum of one of the Shia Imams and the largest pilgrimage center in Iran. The data from the interviews were coded in three main stages and several sub-stages. Based on the findings, most respondents believe that there are three characteristics of holy personalities (including Shia Imams and their children), even after their death. These characteristics are: being alive and hearing, being able to intervene in worldly and hereafter currents, having the ability to mediate between the pilgrim and God. It is on the basis of these characteristics that a particular process of dialogue between the pilgrim and the subject of pilgrimage takes place. On one hand, the pilgrim has the experience of presenting his ‘haajat’ [the special need], which is called ‘raaaz’o niyaaz’ [mystery and need], and on the other hand, the holy person puts the fulfillment of those requests on the agenda. In this process, ‘tazarro’ [supplication] by the pilgrim, that is, the expression of the desire with a high degree of entreaty and humiliation, is of particular importance. Requests can be related to the affairs of this world or issues related to the world after death. The saint may speak directly to the pilgrim through a ‘ro’yaaye saadegheh’ [sincere dream] or ‘mokaashefeh’ [revelation]. Or indirectly convey references to him through other people, especially those who are considered ‘saaleh’ [righteous]. Also, sometimes his response to the pilgrim can be perceived only in the fulfilment of the pilgrim\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s request. However, this study shows a dynamic and very diverse process of forming attractive dialogues between pilgrims and the object of pilgrimage in Shia culture.

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