Explainer: What is Arbaeen?

Arbaeen, meaning "forty" in Arabic, is one of the world's largest annual pilgrimages. This year, it will be observed from the evening of Sunday, August 25, to Monday, August 26, 2024.

Arbaeen falls on the 20th day of Safar, the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It marks the end of a 40-day mourning period that begins with Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali.

This year, Ashura was observed from the evening of Monday, July 15, 2024, to Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Besides Ashura, Arbaeen is also associated with Hussain. But who was he, and what is his story?

Hussain was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the third Imam in Shia Islam.

In 680 AD, Hussain was killed in the Battle of Karbala in Iraq. He was confronted by Yazid ibn Muawiya, the Umayyad caliph, who sought to legitimise his oppressive rule by securing Hussain's support.

Hussain refused to endorse Yazid, choosing instead to remain faithful to his principles of justice and righteousness.

This stance ultimately led to his death and the death of his loyal companions, who also chose to uphold their honour rather than submit to tyranny.

After the battle, Yazid's forces captured Hussain's family, including women and children. They were paraded through cities such as Damascus and Kufa, facing public humiliation before being imprisoned.

Despite the suffering they faced, Hussain's legacy continued to inspire resistance against tyranny. His sister, Zainab, and his son, Ali, courageously spoke out against Yazid’s regime, revealing his corruption and injustice.

Recognising the growing damage to his reputation, Yazid eventually released Hussain's family. They then devoted their lives to spreading Hussain's message of justice and continuing the fight against oppression and corruption.

Legacy of justice

Hussain’s legacy of justice has resonated deeply across cultures and faiths, inspiring notable figures throughout history.

Nelson Mandela, reflecting on his struggle for freedom, once said, "I have spent more than 20 years in prison, then on one night I decided to surrender by signing all the terms and conditions of government. But suddenly I thought about Imam Hussain (as) and Karbala movement and Imam Hussain (as) gave me strength to stand for the right of freedom and liberation and I did."

Mahatma Gandhi also admired Hussain’s sacrifice, stating, "If Hussain fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam."

Charles Dickens, too, noted Hussain’s profound impact, observing, "Imam Hussain’s sacrifice is for all groups and communities, an example of the path of righteousness."

Today, Hussain’s legacy lives on through organisations like Who is Hussain? which educates the public about his life and continues his mission of service. They focus on initiatives such as blood donations and providing shelter. 

Evolution of the Arbaeen pilgrimage

Like other major pilgrimages, Arbaeen has evolved considerably over time.

According to Shia tradition, 40 days after the battle, Jabir ibn Abd Allah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, made the first pilgrimage to Imam Hussain’s grave. This pilgrimage established the annual tradition of visiting his grave.

In modern history, Sheikh Mirza Hossein Nouri, a Shia Islamic scholar, revived the pilgrimage by making the journey with 30 companions.

During Saddam Hussain’s rule in Iraq, the pilgrimage was banned. Even though he prohibited public observances and punished pilgrims harshly, the Arbaeen pilgrimage continued as devoted followers kept it alive.

Today, Arbaeen has changed from being just a symbol of struggle into a powerful expression of unity and hope for future generations.

Commenting on the evolution of Arbaeen, Salim Kassam, Global Fundraising Co-ordinator at Zahra Trust UK, who is currently participating in the pilgrimage, shares his reflections with The New Arab: “Arbaeen used to be a secretive act of mourning and resistance. Now, it's a public celebration of unity and hope. What was once done in secret because of persecution is now openly celebrated by millions from various backgrounds, making it one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world.”

Reflecting on what the pilgrimage means to him personally, Kassam adds: “For me, Arbaeen is more than a ritual. It’s a living tradition that strengthens and inspires faith. By attending and serving at Mowkebs (rest-stops) every year, I connect with our history and help keep the values of Imam Hussain alive.”

Hassoun Ali, a Physician from Najaf currently living in the US, also reflects on what Arbaeen means to him: "Arbaeen is about standing up against oppression and fighting for freedom, which is what Hussain wanted for everyone. It’s also about generosity. It’s amazing to see how people, even with little, generously help and serve others."

A transformative experience

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a journey from Najaf to Karbala, covering approximately 88 kilometres. Pilgrims travel to Karbala because it is where Hussain’s family returned to mourn and honour those who died in the battle.

Along the way, many Iraqis open their homes to provide food, drinks, and rest stops for the pilgrims, known as Mowkebs. This hospitality is widely praised, with many travellers describing it as an exceptional display of generosity.

A notable feature of the Arbaeen pilgrimage is the 1,452 poles, spaced 50 metres apart, which guide the route. The journey typically takes two to three days to complete.

Participants come from Iraq, Iran, and other countries, including Shia and Sunni Muslims as well as Christians. For many, the experience is deeply transformative, similar to the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

This transformative experience comes from visitors reflecting on the story of Karbala and its personal significance. The journey symbolises the ongoing struggle between good and evil, prompting many to assess whether their actions align with Imam Hussain’s principles or resemble Yazid’s wrongdoings.

Kassam shared what this transformative experience has looked like for him from a previous visit. Despite enduring harsh weather and long hours of walking, he and his travel companions were deeply moved by the sacrifices others made.

“We might complain, but then we see people walking with crutches, pushing themselves in wheelchairs, or a mother pulling her child in a makeshift basket. These moments remind us of the profound sacrifices people make, with limited means, for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said.

Without a doubt, Arbaeen will create unforgettable memories for everyone involved.

Kassam's most memorable moment was seeing an elderly man, a retired university professor from Baghdad. According to Kassam, this man spent his days serving water to pilgrims in the intense heat while dressed in black. Despite the harsh conditions, he continued with tears in his eyes, reflecting on the thirst of Imam Hussain and his family.

“His love, devotion, and quiet perseverance are truly inspiring,” Kassam said. “He embodies the spirit of Arbaeen, just like many others who serve selflessly, their stories often untold.”

Ali found his most memorable experience in witnessing those who walk from Basra to Karbala. This journey can take up to two to three weeks, compared to the easier route from Najaf to Karbala.

Ali remarked, “These people, including the elderly, walk for long periods from Basra to Karbala. They never complain because they know they are receiving blessings and participating in an important message. For me, this truly maintains the real message of Islam.”

Solidarity with Gaza

For this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage, there is a strong effort to help people outside the Shia community grasp its deeper significance.

Kassam, for example, hopes that others will see Arbaeen as more than just a religious observance and recognise it as a representation of universal human values.

“Arbaeen commemorates Imam Hussain’s sacrifice against tyranny and injustice, symbolising the ongoing struggle for justice, compassion, and dignity,” he explained.

Ali added, “I hope this will encourage people to help those in need, engage in charity, and contribute to building better communities.”

These aspirations are already becoming evident. As this year's Arbaeen commemoration begins, the focus is strongly on solidarity with Gaza and the oppression faced under Israeli occupation.

Pilgrims are reflecting on the Palestinian struggle and drawing parallels between Imam Hussain’s resistance to tyranny and the current fight for justice by the Palestinian people.

The theme for Arbaeen 2024, The Way of Al-Aqsa, highlights this connection. It illustrates how Imam Hussain’s legacy of standing against oppression resonates with resisting Israel's efforts to ethnically cleanse Palestinians and erase their history, including the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and the ongoing Gaza genocide.

Hamid Ahmadi, the head of the Central Committee of Arbaeen, highlighted the event’s focus on opposing oppression: "The nature and spirit of the Ashura movement and the Arbaeen ceremony is anti-oppression and support for the oppressed, and in this year's Arbaeen, we try to make the voice of the Palestinians heard as a step in support of Palestine."

Pilgrims have begun showing their support for Gaza by carrying Palestinian flags and posters of Ismail Haniyeh, the former Hamas leader killed in an Israeli strike in Tehran.

Mowkebs, along the pilgrimage route, are also displaying flags and banners in support of the Palestinian cause.

UK 2024 Arbaeen procession 

For those in the UK who cannot travel to Iraq for the pilgrimage, Arbaeen UK, in partnership with the Husaini Islamic Trust UK, organises an annual procession.

This year’s event will take place on Sunday, September 1, 2024, from 12 PM to 5:30 PM, starting at Marble Arch and ending at Park Lane in London.

Those interested in volunteering at this year's procession can register to help here.

Zainab Mehdi is The New Arab's Associate Editor and researcher specialising in governance, development, and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa region

Follow her on X: @zaiamehdi