New Zealand news agency releases report on Holy Arba’een, describing it as great journey of faith

The Radio New Zealand Pacific (RNZ Pacific) has recently released a report describing the Holy Arba’een of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, as a great journey of faith full of loyalty, generosity and defiance.

The RNZ Pacific said in its report, viewed by Shia Waves Agency, that “the Arba’een Pilgrimage of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, and the long distance to his holy shrine in Karbala is a symbolic journey not for the faint-hearted, as people walk under extreme heat and exhaustion to pay allegiance.”

It continued that “the commemoration of the Arabeen anniversary is a tribute to the sacrifices of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, when about (30 million) people gather in Iraq as the largest annual gathering in the world to commemorate this event.”

The New Zealand-based news agency explained  that “Pilgrims or visitors coming from all over the world make a walking journey on foot from the holy city of Najaf to the holy city of Karbala, following a centuries-old tradition from the history of Shia Islam called the Arbaeen Pilgrimage.”

It elaborated that “the journey of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, from Mecca to Iraq and making these great sacrifices was only to seek reform in his Grandfather’s nation, and as a result he was martyred with his family and companions.”

The report mentioned that “the women and children of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, were taken prisoners to Sham and upon their release after 40 days, they did not return to their homes immediately, but went to visit Holy Karbala. This was the first Arba’een pilgrimage to be held.”

It pointed out that “the streets become busy with volunteers serving fresh food, drink and even massages, and tents are set up for those who want to take a break,” adding that “one of the major highlights of an Arba’een walk is the hospitality offered by locals and others coming to serve from other places.”