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.