Arabaeen: The Journey Uniting Millions Across Borders

Date: 12 August 2025 - 21:47

News ID: ۱۴۲۵۰۶

TEHRAN -- Every year, millions of pilgrims embark on a remarkable journey across the heart of Iraq — a pilgrimage known as Arbaeen.
Stretching approximately 80 kilometers from Najaf to Karbala, this walk is more than a religious ritual; it is a living tapestry of humanity, weaving together people from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and nations in a profound expression of unity and devotion.
Arbaeen commemorates the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), a revered figure in Shia Islam whose sacrifice symbolizes justice and resistance against tyranny.
Yet, the pilgrimage itself transcends sectarian lines, drawing Sunnis, Christians, Yazidis, and even curious travelers from around the globe. This collective movement, with over 20 million participants in recent years, is among the largest human gatherings on Earth — a mass migration without passports, visas, or borders.
What sets Arbaeen apart is not just its scale, but its spirit. The roads leading to Karbala transform into vibrant corridors of generosity. Along the way, thousands of mawkibs — temporary rest stations — offer food, water, medical aid, and shelter free of charge.
Volunteers from all walks of life welcome strangers as family, embodying an ethos of hospitality that is at once ancient and urgent. It is a grassroots network of kindness where social, political, and economic differences dissolve.
Travelers who join the pilgrimage often speak of a palpable sense of peace that flows from this shared human experience. In a region frequently marked by conflict, Arbaeen represents a living form of diplomacy — one forged not in boardrooms but on dusty trails.
Here, peace is a journey rather than a destination, measured by each step taken side by side, each smile exchanged, and each act of solidarity.
For many foreigners, Arbaeen is a transformative encounter with the Middle East’s rich cultural mosaic, challenging media stereotypes and preconceived notions. Through firsthand participation, pilgrims gain a deeper understanding of a land often misunderstood, revealing layers of resilience, faith, and hope.
Beyond the spiritual, Arbaeen is a testament to the power of collective movement and emotional economy — where generosity is the currency and human connection the ultimate reward.
In a world searching for bridges, this pilgrimage stands as a vivid reminder that sometimes, the simplest act of walking together can carry the most profound message.
For travelers seeking a journey of meaning, Arbaeen offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness history, faith, and humanity converge on the road to Karbala.