Arbaeen: An Epic beyond A Ritual
This is according to an article by Iranian scholar Professor Mohammad Fanaei Eshkevari.
The article is as follows:
The Arbaeen Husayni mass march and pilgrimage in Iraq is a massive cultural, social, and politico-religious phenomenon that is considered unique in the contemporary world from various perspectives. This million-strong movement is not merely a traditional ceremony or a limited act of worship, but the manifestation of a deep, civilization-building, and humanizing philosophy that calls the hearts of the free people of the world toward truth, justice, and freedom.
1. Reviving the Uprising and Keeping the Message of Seyyed al-Shohada Alive
The most important philosophy of Arbaeen is the preservation and continuation of the message of Ashura. Ashura is not just a historical event; it is an enduring school for fighting oppression, defending human dignity, and safeguarding the divine religion. Arbaeen is the continuation of Ashura's mission by Lady Zaynab al-Kubra (pbuh) and Imam Sajjad (pbuh)—a mission that did not allow the blood of the martyrs of Karbala to be lost in the dust of distortion and oblivion.
Every year, the Arbaeen march revives the message that truth is never extinguished and that the school of Hussein ibn Ali (pbuh) continues to inspire nations and freedom-seekers around the world.
2. Practical Manifestation of the Slogan "If Only We Were With You" (*Ya Laytana Kunna Ma'ak*)
The Arbaeen pilgrim does not express affection merely through words; they show their loyalty with their steps. Covering tens and sometimes hundreds of kilometers on foot, enduring heat, exhaustion, and the hardships of the journey is a practical declaration of readiness to support the Husayni school.
This movement is a practical response to the call of Imam Hussein (pbuh) on the day of Ashura: "Is there any helper to help me?" Anyone who sets off toward Karbala from near and far lands is essentially saying: If we were not present in Karbala in the year 61 AH, today we are ready to stand on the path of truth, justice, and the defense of divine values.
3. Collective Loyalty and the Display of the Ummah's Will
The Arbaeen journey is both a personal spiritual path and a collective movement. While it is a spiritual experience for individuals, it is also a grand display of the collective will of the Islamic Ummah. The presence of millions of people alongside one another is a manifestation of solidarity among the followers of truth and justice-seekers worldwide.
This massive gathering demonstrates that the Husayni school is not simply a set of personal beliefs, but a living, social current capable of mobilizing hearts and moving nations.
4. Unrivaled Solidarity and Warmth
Arbaeen is the stage where the highest moral and human values are manifested. Amidst the vast crowds, what stands out most is tranquility, order, kindness, cooperation, and a sense of brotherhood.
On this path, people accompany one another regardless of nationality, language, race, or social class. It is as if an ideal society takes shape—one centered around love, selflessness, and mutual service.
5. Financial Sacrifice and the Manifestation of a Culture of Service
One of the marvels of Arbaeen is the hospitality of the Iraqi people and the servants at the Mokabs (hospitality stations). They place their homes, possessions, time, and energy at the disposal of pilgrims without expecting anything in return, considering service to the pilgrims of Imam Hussein (pbuh) an honor and a spiritual badge.
This spirit is the manifestation of a pure culture of sacrifice and generosity—a culture that can steer human society away from individualism and worldly devotion toward empathy and responsibility.
6. Practicing the Mahdivite Lifestyle
The Arbaeen march can be viewed as a microcosm of the ideal Mahdivite society—a society where the criteria for superiority are not wealth or external power, but spirituality, service, security, justice, and affection as the core of human relationships.
In this atmosphere, class divides fade away, and people experience life built on cooperation, brotherhood, and human dignity.
7. The Universality of the Husayni School
The presence of pilgrims from dozens of countries, ethnicities, languages, and diverse cultures—and even followers of other religions and denominations—shows that the message of Imam Hussein (pbuh) is not limited to a specific geography or ethnic group.
The slogan "Love for Hussein Unites Us" (*Hubb al-Hussein Yajma'una*) is an objective reality in Arbaeen; a love that brings together the hearts of free-thinking people around the axes of justice, dignity, and resistance against oppression, creating the potential for genuine unity among nations.
8. A Symbol of the Ummah's Authority and Awakening
Arbaeen is the world's largest annual human gathering. This multi-million presence sends a clear message to hegemonic powers and enemies of humanity: the Ashuraic Ummah is alive, awake, and will not surrender to tyranny and humiliation.
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Beyond its spiritual aspect, such cohesion carries significant social and civilizational impacts, demonstrating the immense capacity of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut) culture to forge solidarity and resistance on a global scale.
9. Self-Building and Spiritual Nurturing
The Arbaeen march is a great school for self-discipline and spiritual training. Enduring the hardships of the road, stepping away from comfort, serving others, and immersing oneself in an atmosphere filled with the remembrance and love of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut) polishes the human soul.
This journey strengthens patience, humility, resilience, discipline, forgiveness, and a sense of responsibility within the pilgrim, preparing them to play a more constructive role in their personal and social life.
10. The Significance of This Social-Spiritual Experience
Arbaeen is not merely the movement of bodies along a road; it is the journey of hearts toward God, truth, justice, and liberation. This living epic takes place more gloriously every year, and its impact on the human conscience grows day by day.
Experience this spiritual, soul-building journey at least once in your lifetime—a journey that can transform your outlook on life, society, and the essence of Shi'ism.
