New study examines social conformity among Arbaeen pilgrims

Al-Sibt academic journal has published a specialized study titled “Conformity Among Arbaeen Pilgrims”, exploring a prevalent psychological and social behavior during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The study defines conformity as an individual’s tendency to align with group behaviors or opinions, driven by a desire for social acceptance or fear of rejection.

Based on a psychological and sociological analysis of a sample of Arbaeen pilgrims, the research identifies how participants adopt rituals they may not typically practice—such as walking barefoot, chest-beating, or serving in communal processions—under the influence of a deeply immersive spiritual environment.

While the study highlights the positive aspects of such behavior—fostering unity, shared identity, and emotional resonance with the pilgrimage’s values—it also cautions that conformity can lead individuals to temporarily suppress personal beliefs, potentially causing internal tension or a loss of authenticity if not navigated consciously.

Described as a rare intersection of social psychology and religious practice, the study underscores the importance of further research into collective behavior during large-scale spiritual events and its long-term effects on personal values and emotional development.