ARBAEEN: Countless pilgrims are flocking to Karbala to observe the Arbaeen commemoration
Millions of Muslims from numerous countries are gathering in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala to observe Arba'een, which marks the 40th day following the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam.
For a minimum of two weeks, pilgrims originating from nations such as Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have been making their way to the city, situated roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Baghdad, Iraq’s capital. Tens of thousands of these pilgrims are arriving well ahead of Arba’een, which is set to occur on August 25 this year.
Pilgrims journey to the sacred city to seize the opportunity to touch the golden lattice encasing Imam Hussein’s tomb and to slip notes through its bars.
As they make their way toward Karbala on foot from various directions, they transport their possessions in backpacks or bags balanced on their heads. Numerous young men bring along tents, allowing them to sleep on the streets.
According to Iran’s Arba’een Central Headquarters, a total of 3.32 million Iranians have already crossed the land borders into Iraq, with the process continuing without any issues.
Each year on Arba’een, millions of individuals from across the globe converge on Karbala. Massive throngs of mourners make the pilgrimage on foot to the sacred city to join in the world’s largest annual Islamic assembly.
In the year 680 AD, Imam Hussein (AS) and his 72 companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala, located in southern Iraq. They valiantly fought for justice against the significantly larger forces of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.
