2025 Arbaeen Pilgrimage Starts in Iraq from Southern Tip of Al-Faw
The 2025 Arbaeen pilgrimage has officially commenced in Iraq, with pilgrims departing on foot from Ras al-Bisheh, situated at the southernmost point of Al-Faw, heading towards the city of Karbala, Iqna reported.
Iraqi media report that despite extreme summer heat, pilgrims have begun their long journey to the shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). Ras al-Bisheh represents the furthest starting location within Iraq for this annual pilgrimage, covering over 600 kilometers on foot to Karbala.
Although temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius, large groups of pilgrims have set out, marking the start of weeks of commemorations leading up to Arbaeen, which falls on August 14 this year. Devotees from all corners of Iraq will soon join the annual tradition to follow in the footsteps of the Caravan of the Captives of Karbala, yearning to visit Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and revive his blessed rituals in solidarity with the Imam of the Time, may Allah hasten his reappearance.
Arbaeen is observed on the 40th day after Ashura and honors the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), along with his noble family and loyal companions in the Tragedy of Karbala. This event is the second largest religious gathering worldwide, attracting millions of Shia Muslims from Iraq and countries around the globe, as well as people of other faiths and sympathizers of his noble cause.
Along the pilgrimage route, moukebs—voluntary service stations established by communities and religious groups—offer food, water, medical aid, and shelter to the pilgrims.
Last year, the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) reported that over 21 million pilgrims participated in the Arbaeen procession. The journey to Karbala is not only a physical trek but also a spiritual expression of devotion, symbolizing unity with the principles of justice and sacrifice championed by the Master of the Martyrs (peace be upon him).
