Faith Forged in the Desert: The Arbaeen Pilgrimage in Iraq (Reuters Report)
According to an article published on the renowned news outlet Reuters, a powerful display of devotion unfolds annually in Iraq as millions of Shi’ite Muslims undertake the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
The report, by Alaa Al-Marjani of Reuters, mentions that for many pilgrims, the arduous journey through Iraq’s scorching deserts is not merely a physical act but a spiritual trial that deepens their faith.
The Reuters report highlights the experience of 58-year-old Majid al-Kareem, who embarks on a 500-kilometer walk from Iraq’s southernmost point, Ras al-Bisha, to the holy city of Karbala. Ill-equipped for the harsh conditions, wearing sandals and dark clothing, and using only a broom handle for support, Kareem embodies the spirit of sacrifice that defines Arbaeen. Despite the physical toll, he expresses unwavering faith, stating, “I feel like a king on this path.” His journey, a tradition he has upheld for 18 years since the restrictions under Saddam Hussein were lifted, will last for 22 days.
The pilgrimage, now the world’s largest annual religious gathering, is also marked by remarkable Iraqi hospitality. Along the dusty routes, volunteers offer sustenance and shelter to the weary travelers. The Reuters report vividly captures moments of this journey through accompanying photographs. These images include drone shots of the initial waves of pilgrims, intimate scenes of families embarking on the walk, and instances of shared hardship and devotion, such as pilgrims resting in mosques or being cooled down with water. One particularly poignant image shows pilgrims reaching out to touch the revered tomb of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in Karbala, their ultimate destination.
The Reuters report underscores that for pilgrims like Majid al-Kareem, the suffering endured during the Arbaeen trek is not an obstacle but an integral part of the spiritual experience, forging a stronger connection to Imam Hussein’s (peace be upon him) legacy of sacrifice and resilience.
