Afghan Newspaper’s Op-Ed Sparks Controversy Over Arbaeen Pilgrimage

Afghan Newspaper’s Op-Ed Sparks Controversy Over Arbaeen Pilgrimage
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A controversial opinion piece published in the Afghan newspaper “Ettela’at-e-Ruz” has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with religious and social activists accusing the publication of historical distortion and promoting anti-immigrant sentiment, Shia Waves Persian reported. The article, which appeared in the days leading up to the Arbaeen pilgrimage, labelled Afghan pilgrims as “political tools of the Iranian government.”

Written by Nasrullah Rezaei, the op-ed claimed that the religious and cultural ties between the two nations were merely a political project. Rezaei argued that the “Iranian style of mourning” was being imposed on Afghans and that the pilgrimage was financially dependent on Iran.

Critics, however, have strongly pushed back against these assertions. They argue that the bond between Iran and Afghanistan is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Prophet’s Household (peace be upon them all) and is not a superficial political alliance. They also contend that the op-ed’s claims ignore the natural cultural exchange that occurs between two nations with a shared faith.

According to analysts, this type of commentary inadvertently provides propaganda for those seeking to create divisions among Shias and weaken the spiritual connections between the two countries. The controversy has been framed not just as a journalistic debate but as a test of loyalty to historical truth and the shared faith that unites the two nations beyond their borders.