Arbaeen Pilgrimage Symbol of Journey Towards Salvation: Cleric
The significance of Imam Hussein (AS), the Ashura movement, and the Arbaeen pilgrimage lies in their role as guiding lights toward human salvation, happiness, and spiritual perfection, Hojat-ol-Islam Mohammad Baqer Naeiji, a seminary lecturer, told IQNA.
“Within the Ziyarat Arbaeen, there's a profound notion that salvation and happiness are found by following the path of Imam Hussein (AS),” he added.
“This means that the path Imam Hussein (AS) chose was one of salvation. Thus, when someone embarks on the journey to visit Imam Hussein (AS), they are, in essence, stepping onto the path of happiness and salvation,” he noted.
Arbaeen is a religious event observed by Shia Muslims on the fortieth day after the Day of Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the third Shia imam. It is one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, with millions of Shia Muslims walking to Karbala from various cities in Iraq and neighboring countries.
This year, the day of Arbaeen falls on August 25.
A core mission of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), especially Imam Hussein (AS), was to clearly show the way to salvation and to warn against the paths leading to despair, said Naeiji. “Therefore, walking towards the shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) symbolizes a journey toward salvation.”
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In essence, the Arbaeen pilgrimage is an act of renewing and experiencing true happiness, he stressed.
“This pilgrimage serves as a reminder not to limit our understanding of salvation and prosperity to material possessions, but to remember their profound definition Imam Hussein (AS) embodied through his martyrdom,” added the cleric. “The importance of the Arbaeen pilgrimage lies in its ability to bring order and meaning to our lives.”
Each year, we anticipate Arbaeen as it teaches us the correct way to live and find salvation, he said, adding that the Arbaeen pilgrimage guides us on the right path in life, offering us direction and enlightenment.
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However, he cautioned, the danger lies in treating the Arbaeen pilgrimage as a mere ritual. “If someone participates in the walk to Arbaeen but fails to embody good morals or acts in ways contrary to reason and knowledge, it indicates that they have not yet grasped the true message of this sacred journey.”
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