Millions of pilgrims from across the world have arrived in the holy Iraqi city of Karbala to take part in Arbaeen commemorations, amid high security measures.
Al-Ataba Al-Abbasiyyah announced on Wednesday that the number of pilgrims who took part in the Arbaeen commemoration this year reached 22,019, 146.
Karabala Governor Nasif al-Khatabi announced on Tuesday that by Saturday over 14 million pilgrims had already arrived.
“This year’s Arbaeen procession is set to the biggest in recent years,” the Iraqi governor said.
Khatabi added that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directly supervises the successful holding of the Arbaeen commemoration, the largest religious gathering in the world.
About Arbaeen
Arbaeen falls on the 20th of Safar AH, which corresponds to the 40th day since Imam Hussein ibn Ali-ibn-Abi Talib’s (AS) martyrdom in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day of Muharram, 61 AH.
Every year on Arbaeen, Muslims from all across the world flock to holy city to pay tribute to Imam Hussein (AS), his family, and his companions who sacrificed their lives to preserve true Islam.
“The World’s biggest peaceful gathering annually held at #Karbala
🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴#Arbaeen2023#ArbaeenWalk#WhatIsArbaeen pic.twitter.com/yvhZNJqdYx
— Sayyeda Khushnuma Zaidi (@ZaidiKhushnuma) September 6, 2023
Pilgrims stroll all the way from Najaf to Karbala on Arbaeen to renew allegiance to Imam Hussein (AS), the all-time icon of fighting oppression.
Security Measures and Services
Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari has announced that all security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
“The security forces are fully on alert and all security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of Arbaeen pilgrims,” said Al-Shammari in a press conference, adding that: “All security and service requirements are available to pilgrims.”
Greetings from the land of the holy Ahlulbayt as ❤️ On our way to Karbala – the hospitality, the people, the smiles, the cries, ALL IN THE NAME OF IMAM HUSSAIN as ❤️
LABBAIKA YA HUSSAIN as pic.twitter.com/kEKYDqjQp2— سیدهزینب (@SZainabHuda) September 4, 2023
Meanwhile, thousands of makeshift tents and special stands have been installed all the way between Najaf and Karbla in order to provide pilgrims with free-of-charge food, beverages, accommodation and medicines.
Iraqi media reported last week that nearly 13,000 stands have been set up to offer free services to the pilgrims.
Source: Agencies (translated and edited by Al-Manar English Website)
