SHAFAQNA- Millions of pilgrims, including Shia and Sunni Muslims and followers of other religious groups have gathered in Iraq’s holy city of Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen, the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (A.S.) , the third Shia Imam.
Among the pilgrims, which usually number 20 million from around the world every year, many arrive in Karbala after trekking about 70 kilometers northward from the holy city of Najaf in a symbolic gesture honoring Imam Hussein (AS).
Pilgrims enter the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala up to two weeks before Arbaeen.
The pilgrims are greeted by the generous hospitality of the Iraqi people, who provide them with food, water, transport and accommodation needed for the journey.
The martyrdom of Imam Hussein (A.S.) has turned into a symbol of righteous revolt and social and political reform.
Imam Hussein (A.S.) is a highly-venerated figure not only among Shia Muslims but also among Sunnis and people of other faiths.
Protestants and Catholics paying their tribute during Arbaeen at Karbala, press tv told.
Pilgrims come from different countries under slogan of ‘Imam Hussein Unites Us’ . They speak different languages. Some belong to other religions and schools of thought. Some of them don’t even speak Arabic. But when they enter the shrine of Imam Hussain in Karbala, they all chant the same sentence: LABAYK YA HUSSAIN!
”I think Arbaeen provides a unique opportunity to bring Muslims, particularly Shias, from all over the world together.This sends a message that no matter your borders or your nationality, Muslims can become united by virtue of their love for Imam Hussein”, Sheikh Abolfazl Sabouri, an Iranian scholar living in the African country of Namibia told in an interview with iuvmpress .
People around the world have experienced all kinds of governments and leaders and they are tired of them.They are looking for a divine leadership that could give them freedom, justice and peace, he added.
Sheikh Abolfazl Sabouri said that Today people are not necessarily looking for Islam or any other particular religion. They are looking for freedom, dignity and end of oppression.Imam Hussein (A.S.) and Arbaeen could be the divine leade. Imam Hussein (A.S.) unites them and gives them all they want by teaching them how to fight for them against tyranny.
Imam Hussein could be an example for not just Muslims, but followers of all religions, helping them overcome indifference which has become an issue not just for Muslims but for followers of all religions.His story in many ways is similar to the story of Christ and, if taught correctly, Imam Hussein’s movement could help bring to life once again the values that followers of Christ truly believe in, he told.
