Cleric Explains Quranic Activities in Arbaeen 2024 Including 'Biggest Quranic Tent'

IQNA – Special Quranic programs have been planned for this year's Arbaeen procession, including the establishment of the "biggest Quranic tent", an Iranian cleric says.

Speaking to IQNA on Friday, Hojat-ol-Islam Amin Shoqli, head of Popular-Quranic headquarters of Arbaeen, said that the "first step involves setting up the largest Quranic tent, covering an area of 1114 square meters, that will host Arbaeen pilgrims."

Last year, the tent was erected for the first time and received positive feedback, he said, adding, that many Quranic activities took place under the tent, including the condemnation of the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden, which was well-covered by both domestic and international media.

This year's tent will be held at the same location as last year on the path between Najaf and Karbala but will feature a "larger scope and more serious" activities, he highlighted.

Quranic programs and circles will be held with the participation of international qaris from various countries, he said, noting that hosts of the Mahfel TV show will also take part in the tent activities.

"We will also condemn the Israeli regime crimes and voice support for the people of Gaza," he said, adding that programs will have a special focus on Gaza given the slogan of this year's Arbaeen procession which is "Karbala Path to Al-Aqsa."

The Arbaeen mourning ceremony is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

It marks the 40th day after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS). This year’s Arbaeen is expected to fall on August 25, depending on the moonsighting.

Each year, a huge crowd of Shias flock to Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located, to perform mourning rites. The pilgrims, mainly from Iraq and Iran, travel long routes on foot to the holy city.

A group of international Quranic activists will be present in and around the tent as they will engage with non-Iranian and non-Arabic speaking pilgrims from Europe and America, discussing the Islamic Revolution Leader's letter and message to European youth about the Israeli oppression against the people of Gaza, Shoqli said, noting that this group will also help familiarize the international pilgrims with the Quran.

Another activity is the "Ambassador of Verses" campaign, which involves establishing one-person Quranic moukebs with 1114 participants, noted the cleric.

Given the available facilities, we aim to promote reading the Holy Quran in moukebs, along walking paths, in reception areas, and even on buses and other means of transportation, he said.

The ambassadors of the verses are present wherever pilgrims travel, he said, adding that they recite the Quran individually, showcasing their knowledge and identity as ambassadors of the verses, and promoting the completion of the Holy Quran with the page Qurans they carry.

The next focus during Arbaeen, both in Iran and Iraq, is the recitation of the blessed Surah Fajr, known as the Surah of Imam Hussein (AS), he said, adding that through this campaign, "we invite people and Quranic activists to recite this surah and dedicate its reward to Imam Hussein (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala."

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