2024-08-29 00:25:30
Baghdad: Shia Muslims from across the world have gathered in the Iraqi city of Karbala for Arbaeen, a ritual marking the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. This year, more than 20 million Shia Muslims have participated in Arbaeen in Iraq. Those gathered for the ritual on Sunday also expressed their support for Gaza. During this, the pilgrims expressed their grief by beating their heads and chests near the city’s iconic Imam Hussein shrine. Arbaeen is considered one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. More people have gathered in Karbala than for the Haj pilgrimage.
According to CNN report, the word Arbaeen is from Arabic language, which means 40. It is celebrated 40 days after the death of Imam Hussain in the month of Muharram, that is, it can be called like his fortieth day. Hussain was buried in Karbala, Iraq. A big mausoleum has been built here on his and his brother’s grave. These mausoleums hold a very important place for Shias all over the world. Shias from all over the world reach Karbala and cry in the memory of Hussain who was killed during the battle with Yazud in Karbala in 680.
Palestine flags seen in the hands of pilgrims
One different thing seen during Arbaeen this year is that a large number of pilgrims are carrying Palestinian flags in their hands. Shia pilgrims have expressed support for the Palestinian people facing war. The pilgrims said that the Palestinian flag is in support of the brothers of Gaza. We have raised our voice against the way innocent people are being killed in Gaza. The pilgrims say that Israel has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza since then. This will be counted as one of the biggest crimes in history.
The organization that manages Abbas’s mausoleum has reported that the number of Arbaeen pilgrims has reached 21,480,525 this year. According to official figures reported in Tehran, 4 million pilgrims from Iran alone have visited Karbala this year. It is reported that tight security arrangements have been made for Arbaeen.