20 million Muslims commemorate Arbaeen in Iraq

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Millions of Muslims around the world have commemorated the Arbaeen, the event commemorating the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, in Karbala. Iraqis and visitors from various Arab and non-Arab nationalities revive the narrative in the city where he was martyred around 1,400 years ago. 

The streets of Karbala were crowded with visitors - estimated to be 20 million - commemorating the occasion on the roadway to the holy shrine of Imam Hussein. The atmosphere of the region was infested with sadness and sorrow over the tragedy which populations around the world continue to experience and relive every day due to the aggression of imperialism. 

In a statement on the occasion, Iraqi President Barham Salih remarked that the uprising of Imam Hussein was and will remain a revolt for freedom and justice in the face of injustice and tyranny; the Imam, Ahl Al-Bayt (the family and descendants of Prophet Mohammad), and his companies present a narrative with a profound impact which continues to reverberate through time. The revolution of reform and change in the face of injustice and tyranny is inevitable, no matter how high the cost.

He continued to say: "We must be inspired by the essence of this eternal memory, and draw from its noble meanings a path in implementing real reform towards a strong, capable state that serves and protects the people that reflects their free will and aspirations towards a homeland that takes a civilized position in the region of the world."

On his part, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi said the revival of the occasion "inspires the highest human values ​​in loyalty, patience and steadfastness in principles."

Commenting on the visitors, Al-Kadhimi wrote on Twitter that the millions-crowd scene of people flocking to Karbala cements the "solidity of noble stances."

Over the past two weeks, to ensure the safety of visitors, Iraqi authorities deployed tens of thousands of army, police and security forces, in addition to army helicopters, under the supervision of ministers of interior, defense, and national security, and other leaders in the military. 

Iraqi ministries and authorities have also secured thousands of cars, buses and buses, in addition to running a number of trains to facilitate the transportation of visitors. 

Read next: Iraqis warmly welcome Iranians traveling to Karbala for Arbaeen

Every year on Arbaeen, millions of mourners flock to Karbala from around the world; large groups travel on foot toward the holy city to participate in the largest annual Islamic gathering on earth. 

Imam Hussein and his 72 companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in southern Iraq in 680 AD after a courageous fight for justice against the much larger army of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.