Academic at the University of Chicago: The Shias’ revival of the Arbaeen is a pride of their Shia identity

The academic at the University of Chicago, who specializes in Shia studies, Alex Shams, said that the Shias in Iraq knew how to express their religious freedom during the ceremonies of the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).

This came in an interview with France Press in a special report prepared on the Arbaeen Pilgrimage in French, which was translated by Shia Waves News Agency.

Shams stated in his speech: “The commemoration of the Arbaeen in Iraq is a sincere expression of the Shias of their freedom after years of dictatorship, and it is also a pride in their Shia identity.”

The press report also indicated that “the holy city of Karbala has become the focus of the Shia world, where the Holy Shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abu Al-Fadl Al-Abbas (peace be upon them) are located.”

He added that “the Arbaeen is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and this year witnessed the participation of more than 21 million pilgrims from inside and outside Iraq.”