The Biggest March in the World: Arbaeen
Every year, a significant number of people from around the world, predominantly Shia Muslims, travel to Iraq and undertake a journey on foot from the city of Najaf to Karbala, spanning approximately 80 kilometers. Along this 80-kilometer path, there are individuals who generously provide free water and food to these travelers. The Iraqi people offer free accommodations and services to all pilgrims. The level of generosity and kindness exhibited by the people on this path is truly remarkable.
In this journey, everyone strives to help one another. People willingly offer their skills and resources without hesitation. For instance, if your shoes get torn on this path, there are many individuals who will mend them for you at no cost. Even if you become fatigued during the journey, there are plenty of people who will gladly give you a massage.
But what is the purpose of this pilgrimage?
1400 years ago, in a stand against a tyrannical and oppressive ruler named Yazid, a man of God and the grandson of the Prophet of Islam, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), sacrificed everything he had, including his family and even his three-year-old daughter and six-month-old son, for the sake of righteousness and freedom.
In that fateful year, the tyrannical ruler Yazid confronted Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and his family in the desert of Karbala. Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid and chose not to support him. Consequently, the troops of the oppressive ruler besieged Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and his family in Karbala. The suffering reached a point where even the elders and children had to endure extreme thirst.
Imam Hussein’s six-month-old infant, Ali al-Asghar, was held in his arms as a plea for compassion and water. However, those heartless individuals in Yazid’s army mercilessly shot the infant with arrows.
The incident of Karbala and the story of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) are detailed and profound, and I won’t delve into them here. However, it is incredibly astonishing that 1400 years after that event, an estimated 22 million people annually embark on a pilgrimage towards the shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
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You don’t have to be a Muslim to participate in this pilgrimage; people of all faiths are invited to join, and they are warmly received and hosted.
How many people participate in the Arbaeen ceremony?
In the year 2023, approximately 22 million individuals from across the globe took part in the Arbaeen pilgrimage, with an annual average of around 20 million participants. This massive gathering is a testament to the significance of Arbaeen in the lives of many.
Is Arbaeen Solely for Muslims?
While Arbaeen is a religious observance, it extends an open invitation to people of all faiths, including non-Muslims. Regardless of one’s religion or ethnicity, all are welcomed with equal hospitality and respect during this event, reflecting the spirit of unity and compassion.
People from which countries are present in this ceremony?
Arbaeen draws attendees from virtually every corner of the world, including Iran, the United States, various European and Asian countries, and beyond. The diversity of participants highlights the international significance of this pilgrimage.
Location of the Arbaeen Observance
The heart of the Arbaeen observance lies in Iraq, where pilgrims embark on a foot journey from the city of Najaf, home to the shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), to the city of Karbala, the sacred site of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). This long and arduous trek signifies their devotion and reverence for these revered figures in Shia Islam.
