By: Mustafa Al-Husseini

In the last two decades, the Arbaeen pilgrimage has emerged as the world's largest annual religious gathering. As its name in Arabic “الأربعين” suggests, it is marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussein Bin Ali “AS” in the eternal battle of Karbala on 10 October 680 (10 Muharram in the year 61 AH of the Islamic calendar).

This article highlights how a Shia-Muslim pilgrimage in Iraq attracts millions of people from diverse religious backgrounds to the holy city of Karbala. Its remarkable ability to unify individuals from different faiths and cultures highlights the pilgrimage's crucial role in promoting inter religious understanding and unity, as well as highlighting how this extraordinary event has become a symbol of religious tolerance, empathy, and brotherhood.

A Historical Perspective:

The Arbaeen pilgrimage holds significant historical and cultural perspectives that have shaped its prominence throughout the years. Dating back to the 7th century, it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his loyalists in the Battle of Karbala. This event marked a pivotal moment in Islamic history, highlighting the struggle against injustice, tyranny, and oppression. With time, the pilgrimage evolved from its initial commemorative nature into a powerful act of protest and solidarity against wickedness, ultimately becoming the largest annual gathering of people worldwide. Its historical significance resonates deeply among Shia Muslims, as it symbolises their unwavering allegiance to Imam Hussein “AS” and his mission to uphold righteousness, making the Arbaeen pilgrimage a powerful symbol of resistance and resilience against all forms of oppression. The historical perspective of the Arbaeen pilgrimage serves as a reminder of the timeless values of justice, sacrifice, and unity, inspiring millions to participate each year, creating a remarkable display of faith and devotion that transcends borders and cultural differences.

The Inclusive Nature of Arbaeen:

Despite the fact that Arbaeen is one of so many pilgrimages in the world, but what sets it apart from any other religious gatherings is its inherent inclusive nature. Regardless of one's nationality, ethnicity, gender, or social status, Arbaeen welcomes everyone to participate in this profound event as they emphasise their admiration for Imam Hussein's values of justice and compassion, which I had witnessed first-hand while accompanying the award-winning photojournalist “Emily Garthwaite” to Karbala in 2019 to for the Arbaeen. The London-based media figure was so overwhelmed with the experience, that she documented and published her entire trip in a photo album named “The Road to Arbaeen.”

Renewed Sense of Humanity:

Arbaeen creates a powerful humanitarian spirit amongst its participants. It promotes volunteerism, selflessness, and generosity as participants known as “Mawkebs servants” humbly provide fully free food, water, and shelter for millions of fellow pilgrims. Muslim and non-Muslim individuals alike join hands, working together to ensure the well-being and comfort of others, reinforcing the message of unity and compassion across religious boundaries.

Arbaeen as a Beacon for Interreligious Dialogue:

The magnitude of the Arbaeen pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity for interfaith dialogue and understanding. It enables individuals from different religious backgrounds to engage in conversations, share experiences, and dispel misconceptions. Through dialogue, pilgrims discover shared values and strengths, ultimately fostering mutual respect, tolerance, and a deeper appreciation for diversity. One of the examples of this orientation is a visit made by Dr. Chris Hewer, a well-known British researcher in Christian theology, education, and Islamic studies, as he was hosted at “Imam al-Baqir” religious school in Karbala to engage students and professors alike in a captivating discussion session.

The Ripple Effect Beyond Religious Boundaries:

The unity and solidarity witnessed during the Arbaeen pilgrimage transcend religious boundaries and have a lasting impact on both participants and observers. It serves as a powerful testament to the potential of religion as a force for peace and harmony in our world. The lessons learned during Arbaeen can be applied in other interreligious initiatives, promoting understanding and cooperation not only among the participants but also among the wider global community by promoting those lessons globally through the same participants via social media as every one of them can step forward as a self-made correspondent.

Conclusion:

The Arbaeen pilgrimage provides a powerful platform for the unity of religions. By bringing together millions of people from various faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, Arbaeen promotes dialogue, fosters understanding, and emphasises shared human values. The interreligious unity observed during these gatherings showcases the potential for religion to transcend division and highlight our common aspirations for justice, compassion, and peace. As more people recognise the role of Arbaeen in promoting harmony, it is hoped that these experiences will inspire similar initiatives worldwide, ultimately breaking down barriers and strengthening the bonds that unite us as a human family under the umbrella of Imam Hussein’s love.