malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
MILLIONS of people from around the world recently took a trip to the holy city of Karbala in Iran to mark the annual Arbaeen Pilgrimage.
The event commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Husain ibn Ali, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala, which was fought in 680 CE.
During the pilgrimage, Shiites from Iraq and around the world come together to travel on foot to the holy city of Karbala to commemorate Imam Husain ibn Ali and his message of tolerance and acceptance.
In a statement, the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Zimbabwe said:
“The annual pilgrimage and the warm welcome of Karbala’s residents have played a pivotal role in bridging divides and fostering connections between different communities.
“Local residents regularly open their homes to visitors from other cities and keep in touch with their guests long after the event, often visiting them in their home cities.
“These bonds promote the strong foundations of Iraqi society and the peaceful co-existence of its diverse religious communities.
“Togetherness and cooperation of communities is very much in evidence on the roads leading to Karbala during Arbaeen. Witnessing millions of people, regardless of their religious or national background, participating in and contributing to the security and the success of the observances, Arbaeen offers an ideal image of co-existence and the language of brotherhood and human fraternity.”
According to the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Zimbabwe, semi-official figures estimate that more than 15 million people participate annually in the Arbaeen walk, including visitors from many foreign countries arriving by car or through Najaf, Baghdad, and even Basra International Airport.
“Every year, lovers of freedom travel long distances, each according to his own way of understanding Imam Husain’s cause,” said the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Zimbabwe. This approach reminds us of our humanitarian responsibilities and how we must translate these duties into action through our behaviour, our shared humanity and our adherence to the principles of Husain ibn Ali’s revolution in Karbala.”
Imam Husain entrusted his message of tolerance and acceptance of others to the mothers, wives and daughters of his slain companions.
Captured by the army of the caliph, these women were forced to walk to Damascus in their grief. However, they survived to spread the news of the Battle of Karbala and the divine message of the prophet’s grandson.
In remembrance of Imam Husain and the suffering of his women supporters, Shiite Muslims walk long distances to Karbala to pay their respects to the Imam’s Shrine and that of his brother and companion, Hazrat Abolfazl al-Abbas, to mark the anniversary of the 40th day after their killing.
X: @SundayMailZim
Online Reporter