Arbaeen Pilgrimage: A Journey of Faith, Unity, and Resilience

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is far more than a religious event; it is a global phenomenon that unites over 20 million people from 150 countries annually. These pilgrims, deeply devoted to Imam Hussain (PBUH), embark on a remarkable journey on foot, covering hundreds of kilometers to reach the holy city of Karbala, where he was martyred.

This journey is not just a physical test but a profound spiritual experience, where pilgrims practice patience, piety, and self-reflection, striving to achieve inner peace and strengthen their faith. What drives this extraordinary participation—expected to reach 23 million this year, including 3.37 million from Iran—is an unbreakable bond with Imam Hussain. This bond transcends all barriers, even in the face of global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and internal conflicts in Iraq. Despite these challenges, the number of pilgrims remained strong, showcasing their unwavering commitment to this path of love and sacrifice.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a unique gathering that brings together people from all walks of life—rich and poor, young and old, men and women—who forget their differences and unite in purpose. Along the routes to Karbala, Iraqi hosts, joined by volunteer pilgrims from diverse backgrounds, offer incredible hospitality.

They open their homes and hearts, providing food, water, fruits, juices, and accommodation, along with services like massages and shoe polishing, all free of charge. This generosity is extended without discrimination, welcoming not only Shia Muslims but also non-Muslim visitors from around the world.

What makes the Arbaeen pilgrimage truly special is its embodiment of the values that Imam Hussain stood for: selflessness, sacrifice, empathy, and a commitment to justice. These values resonate deeply with the pilgrims, who walk the long, hot roads to Karbala—often in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius—driven by a sense of purpose and a connection to something greater than themselves. The journey to Karbala serves as a powerful reminder of Imam Hussain's enduring message, one that speaks to the highest ideals of human excellence, values, and wisdom.

This message has now echoed across the globe, making the Arbaeen pilgrimage a symbol of unity and resilience in the face of oppression. In today's world, as we witness the suffering of people in Gaza and Palestine under brutal attacks by Israel, the story of Karbala battle takes on contemporary significance. The Arbaeen pilgrimage, rooted in standing up against tyranny, is not just a religious observance but a movement for justice that transcends time and place. It is a call for unity among all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or faith, to stand together against oppression and support the oppressed. More and more people are demanding their governments, especially those supporting oppressive regimes, to recognize and defend the truly oppressed.

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