Karbala on eve of Arbaeen ceremonies

Millions of Muslims have gathered in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala to take part in the Arbaeen mourning of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam.

The Arbaeen – September 17 this year – mourning ceremony is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world which marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of the grandson of Prophet Mohammad [PBUH], Imam Hussein (AS).

Every year, pilgrims from all over the world commemorate Arbaeen in Karbala.

The battle of Karbala is the most tragic event in the history of the Islamic world. The battle in which the third Shia Imam sacrificed his life and all his belongings, including his family and dearest friends, to stand against oppression and injustice.

Now, after some 14 centuries, not only Shia and Sunni Muslims, but all pure-hearted individuals still appreciate and mark what Imam Hussein (AS) did in Karbala.

One of the ways of marking Imam Hussein's memory and showing respect to him among Shias is to pay a visit (ziyarat) to his holy shrine which is located in Iraq's Karbala.

Arbaeen pilgrims start their journey by visiting the shrine of Imam Ali (AS), the first Shia Imam and the father of Imam Hussein (AS), in Najaf and then they walk some 50 miles toward the city of Karbala.

MG/MG