Iraq Expecting 23 Million Pilgrims in Arbaeen: PM

IQNA – Iraq’s prime minister said the number of Arbaeen pilgrims from across the country and abroad is expected to reach 23 million this year.

Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani made the remark during a visit to the interior ministry’s operation room, al-Maluma news website reported. 

During the visit, he was briefed on the security plan in place for the Arbaeen season.  

The premier thanked the security and military forces for their efforts to ensure the security of pilgrims.

Al Sudani said that since the number of Arbaeen pilgrims from different parts of Iraq and other countries is expected to exceed 23 million this year, efforts should be made to facilitate the pilgrimage.

He said some 140,000 Arbaeen pilgrims enter Iraq from abroad every day, stressing that there should be no disorder and problem in the pilgrims’ movements.

He further appreciated the efforts to those running Moukebs, serving the pilgrims and helping the security and service organizations.

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 the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Imam Hussein (AS). This year’s Arbaeen falls on August 25.

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.

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