1.1 Introduction Arbaeen , which means "fortieth" in Arabic, signifies the 40th day following the tragic events of Ashura (t...
1.1 Introduction
Arbaeen,
which means "fortieth" in Arabic, signifies the 40th day following the
tragic events of Ashura (the 10th day of Muharram, 61 A.H.)[1] the day in which Imam
Hussein (AS) and his family members as well as his companions were all martyred after giving their lives, times and
properties to oppose tyranny and champion justice at Karbala. Like Ashura,
Arbaeen is commemorated annually. The commemoration serves as a profound
expression of mourning, remembrance, and resistance against injustice, bringing
together people from various backgrounds in a shared act of devotion. It is a universal
call to compassion, unity, and humanity. Presently, it is the largest gathering
in the world. In Iraq, millions of people
trek to Karbala to visit Imam Husain. In 2024, approximately 21.5 million visitors
including Muslims and even non-muslims participated in the commemoration
program. This indicates the universality of the event. [2] Furthermore, Arbaeen is a
spiritual and cultural movement that fosters peace and intercultural
understanding in a fragmented world. This article dwells on Arbaeen’s profound
message of compassion, peaceful coexistence, unity, human rights and humanity
as inspired by Imam Hussein’s enduring stand for justice.
1.2 A Universal Message for Humanity
Arbaeen
is a symbol of universal message for humanity.
Its effect transcends religious divides, embodying values that resonate
with those who cherish truth, justice, and empathy.
As
at May 2025, it was estimated that over 28,000 women and children were killed
in Gaza since 2023.[3]
Places of worship, markets, schools, hospitals and civilian residences were
destroyed. Palestinians have facing several challenges and inhuman treatment
from Zionist government. The persistent blockade, military operations, and
restrictions on basic necessities like medicine, food, and clean water compound
the suffering of innocent civilians, including children and vulnerable
populations. These actions not only violate fundamental human rights but also
perpetuate a cycle of violence and despair. These are inhumane and against
humanity.
Imam
Hussein’s sacrifice in Karbala, laying down his life for truth is a clear
example of selflessness and sacrifice
for humanity. This inspires individuals across faiths to place compassion and
humanity above personal interests. It also makes volunteers during Arbaeen, to provide
free meals and shelter to millions of visitors. Imam Husain’s resistance
against oppression underscores the obligation to confront injustice. Thus, Arbaeen
resonates and revibrates that standing for righteousness is a universal duty.
This is a global movement for human dignity, justice and equality. Further, the gathering of people from over 60
nations, speaking various languages such as Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and English,
walking side by side in harmony is a great message of unity and peaceful
coexistence. Shared meals and mutual support along the route demonstrate unity
and humanity’s ability to overcome divisions that are harmful to the humanity.
Hospitality
is another message of humanity. The
people of Iraqi as the hosts operate thousands
of Mawkibs ( i.e. Service Stations), offering free food, water, medical
aid, and rest to all guests, regardless of their background portrays their
hospitality. This generosity and hospitality manner that rooted in kindness
does not segregate. They embrace not only muslims but also non-Muslims that come
as visitors to Imam Husain (A.S.). This attitude embodies a universal ethic of
love.
1.3
A Model for Unity, Determination and Humanitarian Service
Arbaeen’s
peaceful practices provide a blueprint for fostering connection and
understanding across cultures. These are gleaned from the public trek to
Karbala, service to the guests of Imam Husain (A.S.) and participation of
different faith adherents.
The
trek to Karbala, often covering hundreds of kilometres, symbolises
determination, perseverance and introspection. For instance, an Italian
photographer, Claudia by name, participated in the trek in 2018. She described it as a journey that stirred her
soul. This led her to embrace Islam after witnessing peace, love and unity
among the participants in this hard movement. Indeed, without determination,
patience and perseverance, it would not be possible.[4] Such accounts highlight
the walk’s ability to forge deep connections.
In
2024, over 10,000 Mawkibs offered free services, from food to medical
care, nurturing selfless love. Volunteers, including locals and international
supporters, cultivate a sense of shared humanity.[5]
It
is also noteworthy to state that Arbaeen draws diverse attendees, including
peace advocates and human rights activists. For instance, Samir Matti is an
Iraqi Christian from Babylon. In 2023,
he joined millions of people in the trek to Karbala so as to honour the sacrifice made by Imam Hussein (A.S.) for the
sake of freedom, justice and humanity.[6] Adherents of other
religions are also motivated by the Arbaeen’s message of compassion and
humanity. Thus, some of them also partake in the trek. Furthermore, the
management of the shrine of Imam Husain (A.S.) organises interfaith seminars with the participation of
Muslims and non-muslim scholars to explore shared values like peace and peaceful
coexistence; unity and justice in the international community.[7]
1.4 Platform for Mutual Understanding, Peaceful
Coexistence
Arbaeen
serves as a vital platform for building bridges across cultures and faiths. It is an avenue for promoting mutual
understanding and empathy. It is a place and period for dismantling any mode of
stereotype. A British journalist who participated in the event of Arbaeen of 2023
in Karbala wrote: “Arbaeen revealed humanity’s potential for kindness,
transcending faith”.[8] A
Hindu guest from India called it “a celebration of love that goes beyond
religion”.[9] These and more similar
unreported accounts clearly indicate the ability of Arbaeen event to break down
barriers and foster mutual understanding among people with divergent views,
different ideologies and diverse cultures.
In addition, Guests with multifarious backgrounds share meals, stories,
and prayers, fostering direct interaction. The hospitality of Iraqi families
hosting global visitors dissolves prejudices and builds trust. For instance, a
Sunni Muslim from Pakistan remarked, “Walking alongside Shi’a and Christian
pilgrims helped me recognise our shared values”.[10] Consequently, Arbaeen
gatherings encourage participants to spread the message of peace, unity and
mutual understanding to their communities, creating a global ripple effect of
empathy.
1.5 Conclusion
Arbaeen
is a period to ponder on the values of dignity, humanity, empathy and other
human values of which Imam Husain sacrificed for so as to respond against any
form of global arrogance, tyranny and oppression. Looking at the current
situation in Gaza, safeguarding the well-being of oppressed women, children and other oppressed Palestinians
should be a subject of discourse and deliberation during this year annual
Arbaeen commemoration. International organisations, local authorities, and
community leaders must collaborate to ensure the oppressed people have quick
access to essential healthcare, nutritional support, and psychological
assistance to save the situation in which the vulnerable populations are.
Finally, unity, collective empathy and proactive intervention are crucial in
fostering hope the vulnerable people of Gaza. This reaffirms the shared
responsibility of people internationally with human feelings in mind to protect and uphold the dignity of the
oppressed people during this critical time.
Imam Husain is for humanity. Imam Husain is for everybody. The love of Imam Husain unites us. Let us stand for justice. Let us stand for Palestine.
[1] Britannica, The Battle of Karbala. < https://www.britannica.com/biography/al-Husayn-ibn-Ali-Muslim-leader-and-martyr > accessed 3 August 2025.
[2] Religion Media
Centre. (2024). Millions Join the Arbaeen Pilgrimage in Iraq, the Biggest Annual
Gathering on Earth <https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/news/the-largest-annual-event-on-earth-millions-join-the-arbaeen-pilgrimage-in-iraq/ > accessed 3 August 2025.
[3] UN
Women. UN Women estimates over 28,000 women and girls killed in Gaza since
October 2023. <https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/news/2025/05/un-women-estimates-over-28000-women-and-girls-killed-in-gaza-since-october-2023> accessed 3 August 2025.
[4] Shafaq News. (2024). Karbala Welcomes
Record-Breaking Crowd for Arbaeen. <https://shafaq.com/en/Report/Karbala-welcomes-record-breaking-crowd-for-Arbaeen-seamless-security-and-health-measures > accessed
3 August 2025.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Amwaj.media. (2023). Arbaeen: A Pilgrimage of
Tolerance and Togetherness. <https://amwaj.media/article/arbaeen-a-pilgrimage-of-tolerance-and-togetherness > accessed 3 August 2025.
[7] Imam Hussein Media Group. (2023). Interfaith
Seminars During Arbaeen. <https://shiawaves.com/english/news/religious-events/108791-imam-hussein-media-group-begins-live-coverage-of-arbaeen-pilgrimage/ > accessed
3 August 2025.
[8] The Guardian.
(2023). A Non-Muslim’s Journey Through Arbaeen. <https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/sep/10/arbaeen-pilgrimage-iraq > accessed
3 August 2025.
[9] Al-Jazeera.
(2022). Arbaeen: A Journey of Unity Across Faiths. <https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2022/9/15/arbaeen-pilgrimage-unity > accessed
3 August 2025.
[10] Shia Waves. (2023). Voices of Arbaeen: A
Sunni Pilgrim’s Story. < https://shiawaves.com/english/stories/ > accessed
3 August 2025.
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