Millions of Shia Pilgrims Flock to Karbala for Arba'een Commemoration

  People are seen in the Iraqi city of Karbala on August 24, 2024, as pilgrims are preparing to commemorate Arba’een. (Photo by Tasnim news ...

 

People are seen in the Iraqi city of Karbala on August 24, 2024, as pilgrims are preparing to commemorate Arba’een. (Photo by Tasnim news agency)

Millions of Shia Muslims from dozens of countries are converging on the Iraqi holy city of Karbala to commemorate Arba’een, the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam.

For at least two weeks, pilgrims from countries including Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Pakistan, UK, US, and Saudi Arabia, have been arriving in the city, located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) southwest of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, with tens of thousands coming before the actual day of Arba’een, which falls on August 25 this year.

Recent reports indicate that thousands of pilgrims from Nigeria, predominantly members of the Islamic Movement, along with significant numbers from Qadiriyya and Qur'aniyyun sects, journeyed to partake in this year's Arba'in observance. 

Pilgrims travel to the holy city to have a chance to touch the gilded grille that surrounds Imam Hussein’s tomb and slip messages through the bars. 

They carry their belongings in backpacks or bags perched on their heads as they move toward Karbala on foot from different directions. Many young men carry tents so that they can sleep on the streets.

According to Iran's Arba'een Central Headquarters, 3.32 million Iranian nationals have so far crossed Iranian land border crossings into Iraq, and the process is going on smoothly.

Every year on Arba’een, millions of people from around the world flock to Karbala. Large groups of mourners travel on foot toward the holy city to take part in the largest annual Islamic gathering on earth.

The pilgrimage, which holds deep spiritual significance, saw an unprecedented turnout, reflecting these communities' growing devotion and resilience despite the challenges they often face. 

The event serves as a powerful demonstration of faith and a unifying force, bringing together diverse groups under the shared banner of remembrance and religious dedication.

Imam Hussein (AS) and his 72 companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in southern Iraq in 680 AD after fighting courageously for justice against the much larger army of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.