Pilgrims Gather in the Iraqi Holy City of Karbala for Arbaeen

Millions of Shiite Muslim pilgrims are traveling to the sacred city of Karbala in Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest annual religious events globally. Many walk for days, while others journey from nearby nations like Iran, crossing into Iraq before heading to the Imam Hussein Shrine in Karbala. Volunteers along the paths provide food, water, and shelter to the travelers.

Arbaeen marks the end of a 40-day mourning period following the Day of Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D. This event is a cornerstone in Shiite Islam. Pilgrims reach the Imam Hussein Shrine and the nearby Imam Abbas Shrine to engage in prayers and devotional practices, such as chest beating in mourning and touching the shrine.

The pilgrimage attracts millions of followers from Iraq and across the world. At the Imam Hussein Shrine, Shiite worshippers reach out to the shrine around Imam Hussein’s tomb ahead of the Arbaeen commemoration. Some pilgrims participate in the ritual by beating their chests in mourning while others weep as they pray inside the Imam Hussein and Imam Abbas shrines.

Despite the arduous journey, the pilgrimage fosters a strong sense of community and spiritual devotion. The sun rises over pilgrims as they march toward Karbala, determined to complete their spiritual journey. Water is sprayed over devotees to cool them down during their journey under the hot sun.

Travelers, including Iranian Shiite pilgrims, arrive at border crossings like Al-Mundheriya to join the multitudes heading to Karbala. This annual gathering reflects the deep-rooted significance and enduring tradition of the Arbaeen pilgrimage within the Shiite Muslim community.