Arbaeen Pilgrimage: Its Meanings and Values
There is no doubt that the Arbaeen pilgrimage is rich with social, religious, cultural, and political values and principles. It is essential to highlight that the millions who spontaneously and passionately pour into the holy city of Karbala—children, women, elderly, and even individuals with disabilities—embark on this journey despite the hardships and risks of the road, driven by unmatched emotion and fervor. This truly represents a phenomenon worthy of study and contemplation. It has become a global event with multidimensional significance in every aspect. The Arbaeen pilgrimage serves as a mobilizing station from which generations draw lessons and values that promote peace, brotherhood, and coexistence.
This massive gathering is no longer a static ritual defined by mourning ceremonies alone; it is a dynamic and reflective experience on how to confront deviation and oppression. It breaks the mold of reducing the Hussaini cause to mere physical expressions, and instead revives the eternal message of blood triumphing over the sword—serving the goals and aspirations of the Ummah.
Clear Imprints on Islamic History
The Arbaeen pilgrimage has left clear imprints on the history of Islam. It is not a marginal or temporary occurrence that fades in and out; rather, it is an enduring event tied to the eternal legacy of Karbala. The narrations and traditions emphasizing the recommended nature of this visitation are deeply etched in the memory of time. The infallible Imams (peace be upon them) gave great importance to the visitation of Imam Hussain’s shrine, encouraging their companions to perform it and confirming its merits in numerous narrations that highlight its immense spiritual rewards.
The Arbaeen visitation stands among the most significant sacred Hussaini rituals in terms of impact, scale, and the diversity of its visitors. It is a humanistic event that attracts people of various faiths and sects, who take Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) as a revolutionary symbol and a beacon for liberation from tyranny. The pilgrimage carries a profound philosophical dimension—it reflects humanity’s longing for freedom and rejection of injustice. The millions who attend this visitation express an extraordinary love for the grandson of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family).
Participated in annually by approximately 15 million people, the Arbaeen pilgrimage has gained global recognition in the past decade due to its unique and powerful features that have astonished observers worldwide.
Spiritual and Material Impact
The Arbaeen pilgrimage holds immense spiritual and material benefits. It is a forum for intellectual exchange and knowledge-sharing among Muslims. It represents a point of convergence for Muslims from across the globe in a religious manifestation filled with love, unity, harmony, coexistence, selflessness, and sacrifice for others.
Each year, Arbaeen witnesses remarkable displays of generosity, devotion, sacrifice, and hospitality. The pilgrimage renews its days as a foundational embodiment of the lofty principles and values taught by Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). Thus, Arbaeen is not only about providing services to pilgrims heading to Karbala, but also about presenting moral lessons to all people and acquiring new ideas and cultures through interaction with diverse communities.
During this period, society reaches an ideal state, characterized by the rejection of hatred and sectarianism, and the treatment of all people with equality. One of the key outcomes of the Arbaeen pilgrimage is the deep social cohesion it fosters—among Muslims and non-Muslims alike—instilling a spirit of understanding, forgiveness, and coexistence based on a balanced vision drawn from the principles of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).
A Model for Social Coexistence
Arbaeen is a symbol of societal coexistence. People from different nationalities head toward one destination—Karbala—with no division among them due to political, ethnic, or partisan differences. Their shared goal is to quench their souls with love and mutual compassion.
The pilgrimage is a living model of collaboration, breaking down all social barriers. You will find university professors distributing water alongside children, and elderly men serving side-by-side with the youth—everyone racing to serve visitors and non-visitors alike.
Throughout the months of Muharram and Safar, doors are knocked to offer free meals, expressing love for Imam Hussain and commitment to the path he paved with his revolution to restore the Ummah to its rightful path. These practices and social traditions foster unity and elevate society toward the noble aims of Islam.
Culture of Dialogue
It is highly beneficial to seize the opportunity presented by this vast gathering of Muslims commemorating Arbaeen to promote constructive dialogue, democratic engagement, and cultural and literary sessions along the pilgrimage route. These programs, held in the tents and mawakeb (service stations), aim to raise awareness and educate, emphasizing that these rituals are not exclusive to a specific sect but belong to all Muslims.
Despite the many revolutions and uprisings throughout human history, the revolution of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) retains its unique reformative characteristics. Its core objective was to transform society according to the true principles of Islam—a message desperately needed today amid widespread societal corruption and youth deviation.
A Global Humanitarian Conference
Arbaeen is not just a religious event for a segment of Muslims—it is a global humanitarian conference. It is not limited to Muslims alone but includes followers of various religions, whether divine or man-made.
Therefore, it is essential to activate all forms of media to introduce the visitors heading to the Qibla of the free—Imam Hussain (peace be upon him)—to the immense humanistic aspect embodied by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them), and the Imams after him. When that luminous image is presented to humanity, it becomes a powerful factor in unifying people based on their common ground: shared humanity.
Humanity is the foundation for building an ideal society that embodies the experience of peaceful coexistence promoted by Islam—the religion of humanity.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) carries within it profound political, religious, and social dimensions. It is an opportunity to draw lessons, reject injustice, and raise the banner of truth in the face of tyrants. In addition, it is rich in spiritual and human values, most notably the dissolution of class divisions, as the millions of attendees are united by their love for Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), and by their commitment to humility, social solidarity, and volunteerism.
These positive traits contribute to building a cohesive society rooted in noble human values, ultimately leading to the emergence of an aware generation that loves its homeland and rejects oppression, tyrants, and corruption.