Muslims Pouring to Iraq Ahead of Arbaeen

TEHRAN (IQNA) – This is undoubtedly the world's largest pilgrimage. Last year the number of Arbaeen pilgrims hit 20 million; however this year officials in Iraq expect that the turnout will break last year's record.

The road from Najaf to Karbala stretches for 80 kilometers and is the main - though not the only - road that pilgrims take to participate in one of the world's largest pilgrimages which reaches its peak on the day of Arbaeen.
People from all over Iraq and the globe take part in an annual march which signifies the rise of the people to answer the plea of Imam Hussein who was outnumbered in the battle of Karbala by the army of tyrant Yazid.
Every year, Arbaeen attracts over one million people from Iran.
Though some have expressed their commitment in walking hundreds of miles even barefoot, others have chosen a completely different means for expression, Press TV reported.
The Arbaeen march will persist until December 13th which marks the day of Arbaeen - or the 40 days after the martyrdom anniversary of the third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Imam Hussein (AS).