22 million pilgrims flock to Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen
Millions of Muslim pilgrims gather in Karbala, Iraq, to observe Arbaeen, marking 40 days since the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
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Muslim pilgrims mark the religious occasion of Arbaeen, in Karbala, Iraq, Sept. 6, 2023. (AP)
Since the early morning hours, the city of Karbala in central Iraq has witnessed a massive influx of millions of pilgrims from the Muslim community to observe Arbaeen.
Arbaeen marks the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in the Battle of Karbala.
Crowds of pilgrims in Karbala reached their peak on the eve of Arbaeen, with more than 3.5 million pilgrims coming from outside Iraq, in addition to millions from within the country.
Administrative officials from the Al-Abbas Shrine's custodianship reported that the number of Arbaeen pilgrims this year exceeded 22 million.
Read more: International Al-Aqsa Call Conference II commences in Karbala, Iraq
In a statement, Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani declared the success of the Arbaeen visit and extended his gratitude to the security forces, religious authorities, and procession organizers, praising their contributions to the successful observance of Arbaeen.
"From Karbala, the land of sacrifice, generosity, steadfastness, and unity, we applaud the efforts of the security forces, ministries, provincial administrations, religious authorities, and procession organizers, which have all played an exceptional role in the success of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, setting the finest examples of boundless generosity," the Prime Minister said in a statement.
Read more: Iraqis warmly welcome Iranians traveling to Karbala for Arbaeen
The Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein, with its various departments and staff, has been fully mobilized to provide the best services to mourners and visitors arriving in Karbala to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Mourning Ceremonies in Iran
In Iran, mourning ceremonies for Imam Hussein's Arbaeen were held today in the presence of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a gathering of students at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah in the capital, Tehran. A procession also began from Imam Hussein Square in Tehran, covering a distance of 17 kilometers and ending at the shrine of Sayyid Abdul Azim Al-Hasani in Rey, in south Tehran.
Mourning Ceremonies in Syria
In Syria, thousands of people embarked on a foot journey from the shrine of Lady Ruqayyah bint Hussein to the shrine of Lady Zainab bint Ali in Damascus on Wednesday morning. The distance between the two shrines is estimated to be over 14 kilometers.
