The Grandeur of Arbaeen in Iran
In a remarkable turn of events, a record-breaking number of pilgrims flocked to Iraq for Arbaeen rituals this year, as confirmed by Iran’s Police Chief, Ahmad Reza Radan.
During a recent visit to the Chazzabeh border crossing in southwestern Iran, Brigadier General Radan announced that more than four million people traveled to Iraq from Iran through six border crossings en route to Karbala, Iraq, to participate in the Arbaeen procession, paying tribute to Imam Hussein (PBUH).
The police chief noted that over 400,000 foreign pilgrims from 10 countries also crossed Iran this year to travel to Iraq for the Arbaeen rituals.
Radan expressed gratitude towards the Iraqi government for their remarkable cooperation during this year’s Arbaeen, characterizing it as “extraordinary” and truly heartening.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi underscored the profound meaning of Arbaeen, emphasizing that it sends a powerful message of freedom and independence across generations while ensuring that the memory of Imam Hussein (PBUH) endures.
Speaking in Birjand, the capital of South Khorasan Province, Raeisi stated, “Arbaeen is a flag to keep Ashura alive and conveys a message of freedom and independence. It reminds the people that they should always live with the memory of Imam Hussain (PBUH).”
He further noted that Ashura, Imam Hussein’s sacrifice, serves as a source of inspiration for human history’s developments and serves as the bedrock for uprisings, movements, and revolutions. This year, Karbala, the holy city hosting the shrine of Imam Hussein (PBUH), attracted 22 million pilgrims, according to Iraqi officials.
Furthermore, Iran’s Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad-Mehdi Esmaeili, emphasized the evolving dynamics of Arbaeen.
He pointed out that young men and women, particularly those born in the 2000s, have enthusiastically embraced this public expression of faith, with women and girls comprising nearly 55 to 60 percent of the participants.
Esmaeili emphasized the need to recognize and celebrate the dignity, sacrifices, and strong presence of women in this significant religious gathering, demonstrating that Arbaeen continues to evolve and resonate with people from all walks of life.