Grand Arbaeen Procession ‘Strikes Fear in Hearts’ of Enemies: Researcher

IQNA – A Muslim scholar cites some of the results of the million-man Arbaeen procession, naming creation of fear in the heart of enemies of Islam as one of the most significant results.

“The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a powerful expression of faith, inspired by Hajj; during Hajj, Muslims stand united, demonstrating their devotion and resistance against the enemies of Islam,” Hojat-ol-Islam Seyyed Mehdi Vaez Mousavi, a Mashhad-based researcher on Islamic studies, told IQNA.

“Similarly, Arbaeen is a profound expression of unity, where people of diverse backgrounds and nationalities come together in devotion to Imam Hussein (AS). This massive movement strikes fear in the hearts of those who oppose Islam,” he added.

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 fell on August 25.

Witnessing the participation of more than 21 million pilgrims from across the world, this year’s Arbaeen procession was held amid the brutal Israeli attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. Arbaeen pilgrims voiced their solidarity with Palestinians during this grand religious event.

“Today, we witness the brutal actions of the Zionist regime and its leader, Netanyahu, who view the immense gatherings in Yemen and during Arbaeen with great fear,” said Vaez, adding, “To counter this, satellite networks attempt to discourage participation in the Arbaeen procession through various means.”

Israeli attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip since October last year have killed more than 40,000 people, mostly women and children, wounding more than 90,000 others, and displacing more than 90% of its population.

Participation in the Arbaeen procession sends a “clear message” to the enemies, and that is, “You cannot fight against this united nation and its deeply held beliefs,” noted the researcher. 

“This unity is one of the most significant achievements we can gain from the Arbaeen walk,” he stressed.

Additionally, the Arbaeen pilgrimage fosters deep emotional connections among Muslim brothers, reducing distances and emphasizing the importance of unity, said Vaez, adding, it also magnifies the greatness of Imam Hussein (AS), bringing his message to the forefront.

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