Ayatollah Khamenei Lauds Iraqis’ ‘Unparalleled’ Hospitality during Arbaeen Pilgrimage

IQNA – The Leader of the Islamic Revolution has extended gratitude to the Iraqi nation and government for hosting millions of pilgrims in this year’s Arbaeen procession.

“The first word is gratitude,” reads Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s starting words in a message that was delivered to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday.

“From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of myself and the great nation of Iran, I extend my thanks: to you, the moukeb-owners, for your utmost hospitality, kindness, and compassion; to the entire Iraqi nation; to the officials in the Iraqi government for ensuring security and providing the necessary environment; and especially to the esteemed scholars and grand religious authorities of Iraq for fostering an atmosphere of pilgrimage and brotherhood among the people of both nations,” added the Leader.

“The conduct of you, dear Iraqi brothers, in hosting the pilgrims in moukebs along the path and your generous behavior towards the pilgrims of Imam Hussein (AS) is unparalleled in today's world, just as the Arbaeen pilgrimage itself is unique in history,” he highlighted.

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, as well as many Sunnis and followers of other religions, walking to Karbala from various cities in Iraq and neighboring countries. This year, the day of Arbaeen fell on August 25.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of tens of millions of people in today's insecure world is a remarkable and unique achievement,” Ayatollah Khamenei wrote.

“You have demonstrated Islamic and Arab dignity through your actions and behavior, all driven by the love for the Master of Martyrs, Imam Hussein (AS),” he added.

“This love for Hussein ibn Ali (AS) is exceptional; we have never seen anything like it anywhere or at any time,” he stressed, hoping that that Almighty God will increase this love in the hearts of the two nation.

4236107