Millions of pilgrims continued flocking into the Holy City of Karbala from the rest of the Iraqi cities as well as foreign countries to mark Arbaeen anniversary (commemoration the 40th day following Imam Hussein’s martyrdom) at the two Holy Shrines of Imam Hussein (P) and His Brother, Imam Abbas (P).
According to estimations, around 20 million pilgrims are expected to visit Karbala Holy Shrines this year.
The occasion refers to the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein (AS), grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was martyred along with 72 of his companions in the Battle of Karbala, in southern Iraq, in 680 AD after fighting courageously for justice against the much larger army of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.
The Iraqi authorities have taken the necessary security measures to protect the visitors and deployed crews tasked to distribute anti-coronavirus face masks.
Dozens of thousands of Iraqis voluntarily serve the visitors, providing them with food, beverage and medical stuffs.
A number of religious scholars, from Palestine and other countries, have participated in Arbaeen rally to underscore the importance of Karbala with respect to the Palestinian cause. A conference in support of Palestine and its resistance was held in Holy Karbala.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
