Egypt’s Shia Figures among Arbaeen Mourners in Karbala

A number of Egyptian Shia leaders are among the millions of mourners who are converging in the holy city of Karbala to commemorate the Arbaeen.

According to Ahmed Rassim Al-Nasim, a Shia leader in Egypt, 22 Egyptian Shia figures have left for Iraq to take part in the mourning ceremonies marking the Arbaeen, Al-Mujiz website reported.

He said Sayyid Taher Al-Hashemi, Imad Qandil, Salim Al-Sabbaq and Baha Alnwar are among the 22-strong group of Shia personalities.

The exact number of Shias, who are a minority in Egypt, is not clear but they are estimated to be more than a million.

Arbaeen marks the anniversary of the 40^th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his faithful companions in the Battle of Karbala in the year 61 Hijri (680 A.D.).

Around 20 million pilgrims from Iraq and other countries are expected to be in the holy city of Karbala on the day of Arbaeen (Monday, December 23).

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