According to Tahseen Al-Khafaji, head of the Iraqi security media cell, over 3 million pilgrims had entered Iraq by Friday, with heightened security in place.
This year’s Arbaeen, which marks the end of a 40-day mourning period, was overshadowed by sadness due to the ongoing Gaza conflict and concerns about its potential escalation into a broader regional conflict. Tensions between Israel and Iran have risen, especially following the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
The death of Hussein deepened the rift between Sunni and Shiite Islam, but many Muslims now focus on the shared anguish over the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, where over 40,000 have died.
Pilgrims from around the world gather annually to honor Arbaeen on the 20th day of Safar, the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar, culminating at the site where Hussein and Imam Abbas fell during the Battle of Karbala. For many, this pilgrimage reinforces the unity of the Shiite community amidst historical challenges.
Amad Zarepoor, who traveled from Iran, expressed hope that this solidarity would continue. “May God never take away this solidarity among us,” he said.
The area around the Imam Hussein Shrine was filled with the rhythmic sounds of pilgrims in prayer. The Mandali border crossing in Iraq’s Diyala province was notably busy, with people from various countries, including Azerbaijan and Pakistan, joining the pilgrimage. Volunteers lined the 113-kilometer road from Baghdad to Karbala, providing food to the pilgrims.
Hussein Ali, a volunteer in Baghdad, said, “Everything we offer is to commemorate and serve our Master (Hussein).” Iranian pilgrim Ali Bagheri praised the hospitality, saying, “I’m very happy I can walk down this path with Iraqis and we can make a pilgrimage.”
However, the Arbaeen observance was also marked by tragedy, as a bus accident in central Iran on Wednesday resulted in 28 deaths and 23 injuries, 14 of them critical.
