Muslim Mirror Reflects on Arbaeen: The World’s Largest Peaceful Gathering and the Spirit of Iraqi Generosity
Based on an article by Syed Zubair Ahmad on Muslim Mirror Network, Arbaeen is one of the most significant religious observances for Shia Muslims, marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
The article emphasizes that Arbaeen has grown to become the world’s largest annual peaceful gathering, drawing an estimated 20-25 million participants, far surpassing the Hajj pilgrimage in numbers. The pilgrimage is not just a commemoration but a reaffirmation of the values of truth, justice, and human dignity for which Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) sacrificed his life.
The report details the journey of millions of pilgrims who march to the shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in Karbala, Iraq. While pilgrims come from all over the world, the most notable aspect is the Arbaeen Walk, a 72-kilometer journey from Najaf to Karbala that takes two to three days, one of the most travelled routes in this religious observance.
What makes the Arbaeen pilgrimage truly unique is the unparalleled hospitality of the Iraqi people. Along the pilgrimage routes, ordinary Iraqis—from farmers to shopkeepers—transform their homes into guesthouses and set up thousands of tents, known as mawakib, to provide pilgrims with food, water, and rest for free. This spirit of selfless service, which extends to offering medical supplies and even free Wi-Fi, is seen as a sacred honor and a form of worship.
The article highlights this extraordinary generosity as a profound contrast to a world often defined by consumerism and self-interest. It notes that the Arbaeen pilgrimage attracts people of all faiths, including Sunni Muslims, Christians, and even atheists, who are moved by Imam Hussein’s universal message of standing against injustice. In the end, Arbaeen is described as more than a religious journey—it is humanity at its finest.
