Arbaeen is known as the world’s largest peaceful gathering. Every year, the event draws millions of worshippers to the streets of Karbala, Iraq’s Holy city, To commemorate the great sacrifice of Hussain ibn Ali (a.s), the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (p.b.u.h) grandson. Arbaeen is commemorated on Safar 20 or 21, the 40th day after Ashura.
40 days after the battle of Karbala, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) named Jabir ibn Abd Allah was the first to make a pilgrimage to Imam Hussain’s(a.s) burial site, beginning the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage.
It was illegal to observe Arbaeen in Iraq for nearly 30 years under Saddam Hussein’s rule. Today, nearly 1400 years later, millions of people around the world commemorate his passing.
Arbaeen means “forty days” in Arabic. During Arbaeen, Iraqi volunteers distribute free food and drinks to pilgrims along the 88-kilometre stretch from Najaf to Karbala, as well as places to relax, wash, and sleep.
Iraqis also offer their homes to pilgrims and provide them with everything they need. People from all walks of life and all over the world travel to make this pilgrimage.
The Iraqi people welcome pilgrims with such warmth and respect that many pilgrims claim they have never experienced such hospitality and warmth in their lives, Even some non-Muslims and Muslims of various sects and denominations gather for this event in Iraq and around the world.It’s wish of every followers and believers of Imam Hussain(a) that He call us to his Kingdom. May Maula(a) give us this opportunity every year. Am33n