- 5 months ago
Arbaeen – The Journey of Passion | History of the Arbaeen Walk to Karbala
Experience the spiritual and historical journey of Arbaeen, the world’s largest peaceful gathering.
This documentary takes you through the history of the Arbaeen Walk from Najaf to Karbala, honoring the memory of Imam Hussain (as).
Discover why millions of devotees travel on foot to the holy shrine of Karbala every year, carrying a message of love, sacrifice, and unity.
In This Video You Will Learn:
The meaning and significance of Arbaeen
The historical background of the walk from Najaf to Karbala
The connection between Arbaeen and Imam Hussain (as)
Stories of devotion and hospitality along the route
The spiritual atmosphere during the walk
📅 Muharram / Safar 1447 – 2025 Release
📍 Language: English
Experience the spiritual and historical journey of Arbaeen, the world’s largest peaceful gathering.
This documentary takes you through the history of the Arbaeen Walk from Najaf to Karbala, honoring the memory of Imam Hussain (as).
Discover why millions of devotees travel on foot to the holy shrine of Karbala every year, carrying a message of love, sacrifice, and unity.
In This Video You Will Learn:
The meaning and significance of Arbaeen
The historical background of the walk from Najaf to Karbala
The connection between Arbaeen and Imam Hussain (as)
Stories of devotion and hospitality along the route
The spiritual atmosphere during the walk
📅 Muharram / Safar 1447 – 2025 Release
📍 Language: English
Category
📚
LearningTranscript
00:00Millions walking towards the same destination, footstep after footstep.
00:14The pilgrims travel for hundreds of miles on a path to reach their beloved Hussain,
00:20in the fated land of Karbala.
00:23They have left behind their families, their homes and their businesses,
00:30focusing all their energy on one goal, reaching their imam on the day of Arbaeen.
00:37They walk from different cities towards the city of Hussain, Ibn Ali, peace and blessings be upon him,
00:45who is the grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his holy progeny.
00:53Those who are not aware of Arbaeen may believe that conducting and hosting such a pilgrimage in Iraq
00:59would be a near impossibility.
01:01The country simply doesn't have the infrastructure of the First World.
01:06However, the contributions that are made by fellow lovers of Imam Hussain and the Holy Household
01:13will ease this trip for all of those who embark on it.
01:23Many families will Vorsa atou, Garbala is bluffing in Oakland with the First World.
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01:51It is ordinary Araqis
02:20who selflessly provide the myriad of services required by pilgrims along the way, including
02:28food, drinks, lodging and medication, known as the Mawakib.
02:37These mostly poor individuals save up their money and resources in order to be able to
02:43serve, free of charge, the pilgrims who brave the long journey.
02:49They do so with a warmth and enthusiasm born out of a shared love of their slain imam.
02:56The people of Iraq are generous by nature.
03:03They are willing to give everything for Imam Hussain for the sake of Imam Hussain.
03:10So this is an expression of pure love.
03:11When you love a cause, you are willing to give everything for the sake of Imam Hussain.
03:17This is an expression of pure love.
03:18When you love a cause, you are willing to give everything for the sake of that cause.
03:24And this is expressed in the generosity of the people of Iraq towards the visitors and those
03:31who come to pay tribute to Imam Hussain.
03:33Imam Hussain on the Day of Arba'een.
03:34The Mawakib set up their stools.
03:35The Mawakib set up their stools.
03:36The Mawakib set up their stools.
03:37The Mawakib set up their stools.
03:38Along the several routes that pilgrims can take to reach the shrine of Imam Hussain.
03:39The Mawakib set up their stools.
03:40The Mawakib set up their stools along the several routes that pilgrims can take to reach
04:06the shrine of Imam Hussain.
04:09These servants in the Mawakib travel from all over Iraq to set up their booths along
04:15the main routes to the shrines.
04:18Some have travelled through dangerous areas to set up these stools.
04:24During the height of ISIS's power in the country, many Shia Mawakib travel to Karbala
04:30from the northern areas, risking their lives along the way.
04:35They did not care for the threats they may have faced.
04:38Over the years, several Mawakib were ambushed and killed by ISIS militants.
04:44But this did not stop the Mawakib from continuing their journey of love and servitude.
04:51Many Mawakib prepare for this pilgrimage months ahead of time in order to provide the best service
04:58for the lovers of Hussain.
05:01These Mawakib adopt several names so that they become known both to the pilgrims and the security
05:08forces who want to protect the pilgrims along the way.
05:12The names of these Mawakib seek to reflect several things.
05:17Some of them may merely adopt their village, city or country's name to show the pilgrims of Imam Hussain
05:24that they have come from all over the world to serve them.
05:29Others are named after famous figures in the tragedy of Karbala or the Ahlul Bayt,
05:35each seeking to represent the figures that they are named after.
05:41Some Mawakib are composed of only children who find inspiration in Qasim ibn al-Hassan and the infant Abdullah.
05:50Others seek inspiration from Imam Hassan himself and seek to represent the generosity that the Imam was known for.
06:02While some provide sweet or savoury food, others provide areas for the pilgrims to rest and sleep.
06:10Some Mawakib recently have been set up to remind the pilgrims of those who have been martyred during these years to facilitate the ziyarah.
06:18From security forces who gave their lives to protect the pilgrims from attacks,
06:23individuals who served in the Mawakib and were killed by terrorists.
06:29Furthermore, given that some of those who partake of the pilgrimage are old and may have medical conditions,
06:36health centres are set up along the walk, where doctors and nurses attend to those in need
06:42and provide them with the medication they need to continue their journey.
06:48During this wonderful act of dedication and love and loyalty that is the Arba'een walk,
06:56you see these places known as Mawakibs.
06:58A Mawakib is a place in which somebody has set up and all they want to do is serve and it's free.
07:04But it's not only one where people are served.
07:08It is where people are begged and requested to be served.
07:12People stand on the street and they ask you politely,
07:15please come in to our tent.
07:17Please come into our building.
07:19Let us massage your feet.
07:21Let us give you some water.
07:22Let us feed you.
07:23Let us be the place where you rest at night.
07:26There are some tremendous services out there.
07:28You can have places where they wash, for example, clothes.
07:31Places where you charge your phone.
07:33Places where there are medications, hospitals and clinics, for example,
07:38on the way from different paths going all towards Karbala.
07:44Places where you read books.
07:47Places where you just sit and relax and think.
07:50Places, of course, to worship and pray.
07:53But they are all free of charge.
07:56And the idea is to make the Zair of Hussain, the visitor of Hussain, happy.
08:01It's to make them comfortable.
08:03It's to make them go through this experience where they would want to serve as well.
08:10With a multitude of Mawakib set up along the path,
08:13the Mawakib are all eager to serve and draw in as many pilgrims as possible.
08:19Each coming up with new ways and new techniques to have the honour of serving the pilgrims of Hussain.
08:27All competing for one thing.
08:30Receiving the blessings of serving the Imam and his visitors.
08:34And the pilgrims themselves keep coming in their multitudes.
08:39Old and young.
08:41Some disabled and others infirm.
08:44Despite wars, despite ISIS, despite the poverty that has stricken the country.
08:50Visitors flock to the city of Karbala in Iraq annually to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
08:57The numbers are staggering.
09:0918 million pilgrims attended Arbaeen in 2019.
09:13Of whom 5 million were non-Araqi.
09:16So what is Arbaeen?
09:22And why does this walk inspire millions of passionate believers?
09:28Arbaeen is an annual day of commemoration for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain,
09:35who was mercilessly killed along with his family and companions on the day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram in the year 61 after Hijra or 680 AD.
09:48Pilgrims visit the shrine of Hussain at Karbala, Iraq, which was the site of the battle.
09:54Arbaeen is the 40th day after Ashura and represents the culmination of the annual mourning period.
10:04This pilgrimage is not new.
10:06Rather, it is a continuation of the pilgrimage that the captives of Hussain made back to Karbala following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.
10:17There, they saw the Prophet's companion, Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, who was one of the first companions to visit the grave of the Imam.
10:29Since that first pilgrimage, the believers have continued this tradition, which grew year after year.
10:37Ziyarat al-Arbaeen is the world's largest annual peaceful gathering.
10:42Despite the fact that perhaps the international media has not shed light and covered this tremendously powerful demonstration of love and loyalty on an annual basis,
10:55it continues to go from strength to strength.
11:00Hussain sacrificed himself at Karbala because he refused to give allegiance to the corrupt and wayward Umayyad Caliph Yazid, son of Muawiyah.
11:11Hussain's stand was therefore one of justice against tyranny.
11:16A fact which has not been lost on the many tyrants, dictators, and autocrats who have ruled over Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula since the Battle of Karbala took place.
11:28In the interests of self-preservation, such tyrants have tried to stifle the core message of Hussain by banning the pilgrimage and attacking those who attempt to make the journey.
11:40Amongst the first bans were those made by the Abbasid Caliphs, who ruled soon after the Umayyad Empire fell.
11:48The most tyrannical of these Caliphs was Al-Mutawakkal.
11:53According to historical accounts, he destroyed the shrine four times, only to find it being rebuilt just days later by the faithful despite the presence of troops who were ordered to surround the grave and close any leading pathways.
12:09The tyrant also ordered these troops to punish whoever attempted to visit the grave by killing them or cutting off their hands.
12:19This did not stop the faithful from visiting their beloved.
12:24The bans did not end after the fall of the Abbasid Empire.
12:29There was even an attempt to divert the river Euphrates to cover the graves of the martyrs and drown the remembrance of Hussain.
12:38But that attempt failed and the pilgrimage continued to take place annually, both publicly and on the ground.
12:51In 1977, the Saddam regime in Iraq enforced a ban on the Ashura and Arbaeen pilgrimages to crack down against the Shia who continued to reject the oppressive Ba'fi ideology.
13:05This ban outraged the people.
13:08In an act of defiance, thousands marched from Najaf and other southern provinces towards Karbala.
13:15Like their predecessors, they did not care about the ban and the constant threats.
13:21Instead, they continued walking to Karbala chanting anti-Ba'fi slogans.
13:27Immediately after the death, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, until recently, until maybe two decades ago, the ziyarah of Imam Hussain, not just the Arbaeen, but other ziyarah too, were banned, prohibited.
13:47During the time of the Umayyad, succeeded by the Abbasite, during the time of Harun, during the time of Mutawakkil, during the time of Mu'tasim, Abbasis, and also other governments who came, who ruled Iraq.
14:04The ziyarah was banned because ziyarah is a political, powerful political statement against corruption and tyranny.
14:15And therefore, these governments feel insecure.
14:19And they fear the ziyarah, because ziyarah is a power, has a power, generates power in the souls, in the minds, in the hearts of those people who perform it.
14:32Despite the Ba'athist regime arresting and executing dozens of pilgrims in 1977, the Shia continued their pilgrimage to Imam Hussain via discreet routes over following years.
14:46In fact, all attempts at banning this pilgrimage have resulted only in a growth in the numbers of the Mawakib, pilgrims, and servants of Hussain.
14:59Just as the slaughter of Hussain, his family, and companions rejuvenated Islam and galvanized Muslims to overthrow Yazid,
15:08so attempts to stifle Hussain's remembrance have only increased the resolve and stubborn determination of those who commemorate his martyrdom.
15:19Even today, some 1,400 years later.
15:25Following the fall of the Ba'athist regime in 2003, the Arba'een pilgrimage began to be carried out publicly, with millions walking to Karbala on an annual basis.
15:38Even during the bitterest of years in Iraq, and despite constant threats by terrorist groups, including ISIS,
15:47the lovers of Hussain walked for weeks to reach the Imam, on the 40th day after each Ashura,
15:54to offer salutations to the martyrs of Karbala and condolences to the Ahlul Bayt, the household of the Prophet, including the awaited Saviour, Imam Mahdi.
16:05People were threatened.
16:09You walk, you'll be captured. You'll be imprisoned. You'll be tortured. And you might be executed.
16:18But people walked. They would walk in secret. They would walk at night between farms.
16:23They would be captured. They would be killed. Yet they walked.
16:29Those who have participated the journey know that it is not merely a physical expedition.
16:34It is a journey of love, passion and servitude to Allah, his final messenger and his Ahlul Bayt.
16:43It is a journey of unity and peace.
16:46It represents a clarion call for the ongoing revolution of Imam Hussain against tyranny and injustice.
16:53Moreover, it is a journey of the heart, in which pilgrims reflect upon the outstanding qualities exemplified by the martyrs of Karbala.
17:04Courage, selflessness, patience and steadfast adherence to the path of God.
17:12In this pilgrimage, we see unity towards one common goal, Hussain.
17:24Millions of people come from Iraq and many other countries to walk hundreds of miles just to pay tribute to Imam Hussain.
17:38To say that we are on your side. Not only to change others but to change themselves too.
17:45So the ziyarah really changes people's mind, people's heart, people's allegiance and changes their behaviour too.
17:55Many people were guided during the trip of the ziyarah.
18:00They found the truth. It changed their life 180% because of the ziyarah of the Arba'een of Imam Hussain.
18:08Thus, during the Arba'een pilgrimage, one sees a mosaic of pilgrims of all backgrounds, ethnicities and colours.
18:21Those who are wealthy and those who are poor. The religious and the non-practicing.
18:28The healthy and the sick. All walking alongside each other.
18:34All displaying signs of sadness and mourning for Imam Hussain.
18:40And all seeking to serve the Prophet and his holy household, the Ahri al-Bayt.
18:49Here's an important point. Why do they walk? Why couldn't they, in their millions, just go to Karbala, recite the different recitations,
19:00pay their respects to Hussain ibn Ali's tomb, peace be upon him, and then get back.
19:04Why the walk? Why the struggle? Because in struggle and in dedication and devotion, there is upliftment, there is growth,
19:13there is sacrifice, there is willing to give. And hence, you'll find people enjoying the experience.
19:20Because it at least shows that they're willing to do something different. They're willing to go out of their comfort zones.
19:29It's an important lesson in life. In life, we find many challenges, many obstacles.
19:35Arba'een and the walk towards Hussain's shrine in Karbala teaches us that we will face struggles, that we will face obstacles in life.
19:44And we have to keep going. We have to have hope. We have to have lots of positivity in our minds.
19:51And we can get there. And people have time for reflection when they walk.
19:57We are told in Islamic narrations that if there is an option to do something, take the way in which it is more difficult.
20:05Why? Because A, you'll be more rewarded and B, perhaps you will train yourself, your soul, your body in a better manner.
20:13Because we live in a world where people are lazy, people are not willing to push themselves to the limit sometimes.
20:20And this is what the Arba'een walk actually does.
20:24People of all nationalities, all races, all age groups and even different faith groups walk on the same path.
20:33Some walk for days, weeks and months and others have come from thousands of miles, only to take these steps with their brothers and sisters.
20:45Walking alongside fellow believers, they feel an unmatched sense of comfort, safety and serenity, undimmed by aching limbs or nascent security concerns.
20:58The multiplicity of languages, flags and creeds only adds colour and depth to the singular unifying lament.
21:07Ya Hussain! Ya Hussain! Ya Hussain!
21:13Some people spend two days, some people spend three days, more or less, on this highway between Najaf and Karbala.
21:23And for them it represents a journey of meditation and reflection on their life, on their past, on their present, on their future.
21:37Where they stand, why they are walking here, what they want to do with their own life.
21:46After days of walking and bonding with the servants and lovers of Hussain along the way,
21:52the journey of the pilgrims to their beloved reaches its pinnacle.
21:58As they enter the holy city of Karbala, they begin to see other groups and pilgrims who have already arrived from all parts of the country and the world.
22:11The streets and buildings are draped in black, a display of sadness and grief.
22:20The sounds of eulogies, lectures and chants mixed with tears become louder.
22:30They continue walking towards two lights, glimmering above the horizon.
22:35They are the domes of the shrines of Imam Hussain and his loyal brother, Abbas ibn Ali.
22:45The golden dome of Abbas ibn Ali, especially those who come from Najaf, that's the first thing they see.
22:50The altruistic, loyal, brave brother of Imam Hussain .
22:55And if they haven't seen it, they really break down.
22:59Their hearts are thumping.
23:01They don't know how to express themselves.
23:03The tears are flowing.
23:06These are the great heroes who gave everything.
23:13What am I going to give for the sake of humanity?
23:16But above all, for the sake of Allah .
23:20As they reach Bain al-Haramayn, the area between the shrines of Imam Hussain and Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas,
23:33the pilgrims meld into a massive crowd, walking between the two shrines, carrying a sa'i, a walk,
23:43similar to that carried out between Safa and Marwa during the Hajj pilgrimage.
23:54Seen from above, it is clear that Karbala has transformed from a city to a beating heart.
24:02With millions of people entering and exiting at the same time, the streets resemble arteries and veins,
24:09pumping people in and pumping people out.
24:17The streets and walkways of Karbala are traversed by millions of pilgrims
24:23who carry with them their worries, concerns and woes.
24:31The pilgrims will later leave the city, feeling unburdened.
24:35It is as if the Imam has given them a new life.
24:40Thus, the beating heart of Karbala rejuvenates its visitors.
24:46Among those who come to pay tribute are not only the Shias but are Sunnis, Christians, non-Muslims and others
25:05who believe in the concept of Imam Hussain, who believe in his message.
25:10So when you walk with those people, you consider yourself to be part of this universal family, universal community
25:20that is standing against oppression and against injustice today.
25:26Every pilgrims walk is an expression of loyalty, love and passion for Hussain and his slain companions.
25:36All of those who reach Karbala are praying.
25:39They pray for the reappearance of the 12th Imam.
25:43They pray for Imam Hussain's intercession on the Day of Judgment.
25:48And they hope and believe that all of their prayers and needs will be fulfilled,
25:53as they look up at the sacred domes with tears in their eyes.
25:58Soon after reaching the city of Karbala, there is a certain quickening, a sense of urgency in the air.
26:06Many pilgrims cannot wait to enter the shrine and finally see their beloved Hussain.
26:13They hurry to reach the inside of the Musoleem.
26:17They want to see the tomb enshrined within the beautiful architecture of the shrine.
26:22Despite the difficulty that they face trying to squeeze between the throngs trying to get to the tomb,
26:29they continue until they reach their destination.
26:36Finally, encountering the tomb in all its greatness,
26:40pilgrims see a silver cage decorated by beautiful calligraphy that covers the grave of the Imam.
26:47In a feast for the senses, they smell beautiful aromas as they near the shrine.
26:53And they hear those inside chanting,
26:56Labbayka ya Hussain!
27:02I am here, O Hussain!
27:07The pilgrims try to grasp the shrine like a baby grasping for its mother.
27:12They kiss the shrines with tears rolling down their face,
27:16all wishing they were there with Imam Hussain on the day of Ashura.
27:25They renew their allegiance to their martyred Imam,
27:27and promise the Imam of their time, Imam Mahdi,
27:31that they will stand with him through thick and thin.
27:34Many of them also pray for their burdens to be lifted.
27:41Some pray for loved ones lost, others pray for their families.
27:46They do so with the knowledge of many traditions stating
27:49that all prayers under the dome of Hussain are answered by the Almighty.
27:54Those who have been to Arba'een must become ambassadors of Arba'een.
28:04Encourage others to attend, take part, encourage others to experience it,
28:09even non-Muslim friends.
28:11Look after them, you know, be able to really show them the true spirit of Islam,
28:19the true spirit of the Ahlal Bayt, peace and blessings be upon them.
28:22This unbelievable story of love that is Arba'een,
28:26for them to see it in their own eyes.
28:28The generosity is phenomenal.
28:30Something that perhaps the world has not seen.
28:33Maybe people when they walk and they see so much food and kindness,
28:38they wonder, what's the catch?
28:40What is it that we have to do to return this favour?
28:45They'll be surprised that there isn't anything.
28:49The fact that you are the visitor of Hussain means that you are blessed
28:53and you're taking part in this wonderful process.
28:58Over the days that follow the day of Arba'een,
29:01the pilgrims decide whether they want to stay in the city of Karbala for a while longer,
29:06or make their journey back home.
29:10As they leave the inner city of Karbala,
29:13they turn around, look at the dome of Imam Hussain,
29:17and pray that this is not the last year that they give allegiance to the Imam at this shrine.
29:24O Allah, do not let this be the last time that I pledge allegiance to them in their shrines.
29:42The tents are slowly taken down as the number of pilgrims decreases,
29:47and within days of the Arba'een pilgrimage,
29:50all of Iraq returns to normality.
29:54The inner streets of Karbala are cleaned,
29:56and no one would think that a great pilgrimage had just taken place.
30:03The people return to their homes, jobs and countries.
30:07But despite their return, pilgrims and muwakib alike will reminisce about the days of Arba'een,
30:14and many will be making preparations to visit, to serve, and to pledge their allegiance once again.
30:23It is their ardent desire that they will do so in the company of their awaited saviour Imam Mahdi,
30:29one of whose titles is the Avenger of the Blood of Hussain and the Martyrs of Karbala.
30:36They pray for his return with the oft-repeated phrase,
30:42Allahumma a'jjal liwaliyyaka al-faraj
30:46O Allah, hasten the reappearance of your vicegerent.
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