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The Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, Iraq, attracted more than 21 million Shia Muslims this year, marking the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Pilgrims, who flock to the city’s holy shrines, openly expressed their support for Gaza amid the ongoing conflict in the region. Displaying Palestinian flags, attendees mourned and wept in memory of Hussein, who was killed in a battle in Karbala in 680.
Karbala, the center of Shia Islam, saw devotees paying tribute to Hussein and his brother Abbas, buried in mausoleums facing each other. The event, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, attracted pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, and beyond. Iranian pilgrims numbered around 3.5 million, reflecting the significance of the pilgrimage for Shia Muslims.
Pilgrim Mohammed al-Tamimi stated that the Palestinian flags symbolized solidarity with Gaza and opposition to Zionist actions. The timing of the pilgrimage was particularly poignant, given the recent violence in the region. The official count of pilgrims exceeded 21 million, with last year’s event drawing in around 22 million attendees.
The Arbaeen celebrations take place amid tight security measures, with Iran being the largest contributor of foreign visitors. The display of support for Gaza underscores the global reach and socio-political impact of the pilgrimage, which continues to draw millions of Shia Muslims to Karbala each year.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
