Arbaeen, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world, will be observed in August 2026 by millions of Shia Muslims across the globe. The occasion marks the 40th day (Chehlum) after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

Every year, millions of devotees undertake a pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq, where Imam Hussain is buried, making Arbaeen one of the world's biggest peaceful religious congregations.

When is Arbaeen 2026?

Arbaeen is observed on the 20th day of Safar, the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Based on the lunar calendar, Arbaeen 2026 is expected to fall in late August, though the exact date may vary by a day depending on the sighting of the moon in different countries.

What is the significance of Arbaeen?

The word "Arbaeen" means "forty" in Arabic. It commemorates the completion of 40 days of mourning following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions at Karbala.

For Shia Muslims, Imam Hussain symbolizes sacrifice, justice and resistance against tyranny. His refusal to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad ruler Yazid is regarded as a defining stand for truth and righteousness in Islamic history.

Arbaeen is therefore observed not only as a day of mourning but also as a reaffirmation of faith, justice and humanitarian values.

Millions undertake the Karbala pilgrimage

The most prominent tradition associated with Arbaeen is the pilgrimage to Karbala in Iraq.

Many devotees walk hundreds of kilometres from cities such as Najaf to Karbala, covering the journey over several days. Along the route, volunteers set up temporary camps, known as Mawakib, offering pilgrims free food, drinking water, accommodation and medical assistance.

The pilgrimage is regarded as a symbol of unity, devotion and selfless service.

How is Arbaeen observed?

On Arbaeen, devotees participate in a variety of religious observances, including:

• Visiting the shrine of Imam Hussain in Karbala.

• Reciting the Ziyarat Arbaeen, a special prayer dedicated to Imam Hussain.

• Holding religious gatherings, sermons and remembrance assemblies.

• Reading passages describing the events of Karbala.

• Offering charity and serving food and water to pilgrims.

• Spending the day in prayer, reflection and acts of compassion.

In many countries, including India, Pakistan, Iran and Lebanon, processions and community gatherings are organised to mark the occasion.

Importance beyond religion

Religious scholars often describe Arbaeen as a global symbol of resilience, sacrifice and peaceful coexistence.

The gathering brings together people from different nationalities, languages and backgrounds, reflecting the universal message associated with Imam Hussain's sacrifice—standing for justice, protecting human dignity and opposing oppression.

With millions expected to participate once again in 2026, Arbaeen remains one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar and one of the largest annual faith-based pilgrimages in the world.

Millions of Shia Muslim devotees across the world are preparing to observe Arbaeen, one of the largest annual religious gatherings globally, with pilgrims travelling to the holy city of Karbala in Iraq to commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

Arbaeen is observed 40 days after Ashura, marking the end of the mourning period for Imam Hussain and his companions, who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The occasion holds deep religious and spiritual significance for Shia Muslims and is also attended by many Sunni Muslims and followers of other faiths as a gesture of solidarity and respect.

Millions expected in Karbala

Every year, millions of pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, the Gulf countries, Europe, North America and several other regions converge on Karbala. Many undertake a journey on foot, covering hundreds of kilometres to reach the Imam Hussain Shrine, where special prayers and mourning ceremonies are held.

The pilgrimage is widely regarded as one of the largest peaceful religious gatherings in the world, often drawing crowds larger than many other global religious events.

Spiritual significance

For devotees, Arbaeen symbolises unwavering faith, sacrifice, justice and resistance against oppression. Imam Hussain's stand at Karbala is remembered as a timeless message of courage and moral integrity in the face of tyranny.

Pilgrims spend the day offering prayers, reciting elegies, reading religious texts and paying homage at the shrines of Imam Hussain and his half-brother Hazrat Abbas.

Walk of devotion

A defining feature of Arbaeen is the long pilgrimage on foot. Thousands of volunteers set up temporary service camps, known as Mawakib, along the routes leading to Karbala. These camps provide free meals, drinking water, medical assistance and accommodation to pilgrims throughout their journey.

The spirit of hospitality and selfless service is considered one of the hallmarks of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Extensive security arrangements

Given the massive influx of visitors, Iraqi authorities deploy thousands of security personnel and coordinate with health, transport and emergency services to ensure a safe pilgrimage. Additional transportation, medical facilities and crowd-management measures are put in place to accommodate millions of devotees arriving from across the world.

Message beyond religion

Religious scholars describe Arbaeen as a reminder of universal values such as justice, compassion, sacrifice and human dignity. The commemoration continues to inspire people across different communities by reinforcing the importance of standing against injustice and protecting fundamental human values.

As pilgrims gather in Karbala, the annual observance once again highlights faith, unity and remembrance, making Arbaeen one of the most significant events in the Islamic religious calendar.