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Arbaʿīn and Mahdism: A Mutual Relationship in the Horizon of Awaiting
The day of Arbaʹīn (the 20th of Ṣafar A.H.)
The Arbaʹīn ceremony is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world that annually occurs forty days after the martyrdom of Imam al-Hussain and his companions on the day of ̒Āshūrā in Karbalā (Iraq) where the holy shrine of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson (Imam al-Hussain) is held in. Every year, millions of Muslims around the world make their way to this city to commemorate the day of Arbaʹīn. Many of these pilgrims make a journey of 55 miles or so, on their own feet for the love of the Imam. It was estimated more than 25 million people in the previous Arbaʹīn. It has been said that the household of Imam al-Hussain, returning from Damascus to Medina, arrived in Karbalā on this day in 61 A.H. / 680 A.D. Also on this day, it is famous that Jābir bin ʹAbd Allah al-Ansārī (one of the sincere companions of the Prophet) was the first one who visited the tomb of Imam al-Hussain, so it is recommended to visit the holy shrine of the Imam in Karbalā or through al-Ziyārah from a distance.
In the intellectual framework of Shi'ism, events such as Ghadir, Ashura, the martyrdom of Imam al-Ḥusayn (a), the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (aj), and the doctrine of Mahdism form foundational elements. These events have played significant roles not only in the theological system of Shi‘a Islam but also in the personal and collective lives of Shi‘a Muslims. Among these, the Arbaʿīn pilgrimage—particularly the massive annual walk toward the shrine of Imam al-Ḥusayn (a)—is a powerful manifestation of religious devotion and a meaningful link between the history and future of the Islamic Ummah. That future is ultimately tied to the promised advent of the Awaited Savior, Imam al-Mahdi (aj).
This brings us to the core question: What is the relationship between Arbaʿīn and Mahdism? And can this ceremony be understood through a messianic and civilizational lens that contributes to preparing for the reappearance of the Imam? The answer lies in the fact that there is a mutual relationship between Arbaʿīn and Mahdism. On one hand, belief in Mahdism gives Arbaʿīn a higher spiritual identity; on the other hand, Arbaʿīn—with all its spiritual, cultural, and social dimensions—plays a significant role in laying the groundwork for the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi (aj).
Arbaʿīn Pilgrimage in the Light of Hadith
The Arbaʿīn pilgrimage is not merely a personal devotional act; it is a symbol of Shi‘a identity and faith. In a well-known narration, Imam Ḥasan al-‘Askarī (a) lists the visitation of Arbaʿīn among the five distinguishing signs of a believer, along with daily prayers, wearing a ring on the right hand, prostrating on natural clay, and reciting "Bismillah" aloud in prayers.
Imam al-Ṣādiq (a), in another hadith, praises the reward of those who walk toward the shrine of Imam al-Ḥusayn (a), saying:
“For every step taken, a reward is recorded, sins are erased, and ranks are elevated. An angel accompanies the pilgrim, and once the visit ends, the call comes: ‘Return, for you have been forgiven.’”
This status is not only an honor but a deep message: the path of the Ziyārah is also a path of purification, transformation, and readiness for divine service under the banner of the awaited Imam.
From Karbala to Reappearance: An Intellectual and Civilizational Continuum
The first pilgrim to walk to Karbala on Arbaʿīn was Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh al-Anṣārī in 61 AH. Today, that walk has evolved into the largest religious gathering in the world. This movement is a renewal of allegiance to the Divine Authority (wilāyah), and an eternal answer to the call: “Is there anyone to help me?” Therefore, Arbaʿīn must be studied as part of the continuum between Ashura and the rise of Imam al-Mahdi (aj), for the Imam himself mourns his grandfather in Ziyārat al-Nāḥiyah al-Muqaddasah with these heart-wrenching words:
"I will mourn for you morning and evening, and I shall weep for you instead of tears, blood...”
Such mourning is not a passive grief—it is a cry of justice, an energy that nourishes the coming revolution.
Three Dimensions of Reappearance and the Position of Arbaʿīn
To understand the connection between Arbaʿīn and the Reappearance (ẓuhūr), we must distinguish three major categories:
1. Signs of the Reappearance:
These are events that indicate or accompany the emergence of the Imam, such as the cry of Gabriel, the rise of Sufyani, Yamani, and Dajjāl. Arbaʿīn, however, is not explicitly listed in any hadith as one of these signs. Hence, from this angle, it does not serve as a direct prophetic indicator of the Reappearance.
2. Conditions of the Reappearance:
Unlike signs, conditions are prerequisites for the Imam’s advent—but even if fulfilled, they do not guarantee its immediate occurrence. Great scholars like Shaykh al-Ṣadūq, Shaykh al-Ṭūsī, and Sayyid al-Murtaḍā have stated that the realization of ẓuhūr depends on three wills: the will of God, the will of the Imam himself, and the will and readiness of the people. While Arbaʿīn cannot definitively be classified as one of these conditions, it surely plays a role in nurturing the third component—popular readiness.
3. Groundwork for the Reappearance (Tamḥīd li-l-Ẓuhūr):
This is where Arbaʿīn holds a pivotal function. The Reappearance is not merely a heavenly event; it is a response to the inner transformation of humanity. Just as the Imam’s occultation was precipitated by people's neglect and betrayal, his reappearance must be earned by their loyalty and spiritual readiness. The Arbaʿīn pilgrimage—with its lessons of sacrifice, unity, love for the Ahl al-Bayt (a), and rejection of oppression—cultivates the very culture that paves the way for the global reign of justice under the Mahdi (aj).
Arbaʿīn: A Manifestation of the Culture of Intizar (Messianic Waiting)
Arbaʿīn is not merely a religious gathering—it is a rehearsal for the rise of divine civilization. It teaches the values of humility, cooperation, faith, solidarity, and martyrdom. It unites millions of hearts under one cry: "Labbayka Yā Ḥusayn!"—which is in essence, a preparation to cry out: "Labbayka Yā Mahdi!" In this way, the Arbaʿīn pilgrimage shapes a global community that is spiritually trained and socially aligned to welcome the Imam.
Conclusion: Arbaʿīn as a Prelude to the Reappearance
Ultimately, Arbaʿīn, as a school of civilization and spirituality, carries vast capacities to promote the doctrine of Mahdism, deepen the culture of awaiting, and foster the necessary social and moral environment for the Reappearance. It is not merely a devotional practice but a rising movement—one that reclaims the historical wound of Karbala and converts it into the hope of the future. Arbaʿīn is not the end of the path; it is the beginning of a greater journey—toward justice, light, and the reign of truth under Imam al-Mahdi (aj).
The Link Between Abaʿīn and Mahdism
Abaʿīn, the world’s largest annual pilgrimage, does more than commemorate a historical event—it actively promotes the culture of awaiting Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) and prepares the ground for his reappearance. In modern times, the Abaʿīn walk has transcended its Shi’a origins, drawing millions from diverse religions, languages, and ethnicities.
Each year, the presence of Sunni Muslims, Christians, and even their religious leaders becomes more pronounced—many of whom express solidarity and, in some cases, even embrace Islam. These remarkable instances highlight the growing global relevance and spiritual magnetism of the Abaʿīn pilgrimage.
According to religious narrations, Imam Mahdi will not appear alone. He will be accompanied by loyal followers and supported by none other than Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), who will stand beside him in the final battle against the Antichrist (al-Dajjal). This foretold alliance underscores the universal nature of the Mahdist mission.
The martyrdom of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) in defiance of Yazid’s tyranny stands as the most powerful example of resistance against injustice in Islamic history. Similarly, Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) represents the ultimate hope for humanity’s liberation from oppression and suffering. In this light, the Abaʿīn pilgrimage serves as a symbolic and spiritual journey on the path toward the awaited savior.
An unbreakable bond exists between Imam al-Ḥusayn ’s revolution and the promised reappearance of his descendant, Imam Mahdi. Both stand for justice—a universal human longing. Imam Mahdi’s future rule, like Imam al-Ḥusayn ’s uprising, is founded on justice and equality, values that were tragically neglected in the society of Karbala.
Abaʿīn today has become a global platform for spiritual unity and civilizational convergence. It is a foundation upon which the urgent message of awaiting the Promised One is built. Simply put, Abaʿīn is a stronghold for those who confront today’s political and cultural corruption with faith and hope.
In conclusion, the Abaʿīn pilgrimage stands as a focal point for all individuals yearning for an end to injustice, conflict, and global suffering. It is a march of love, sacrifice, and unwavering anticipation for the dawn of divine justice.
Ziyārat al-Arbaʿīn
It is quoted, in Miṣbāḥ Mutahajjid, from Ṣafwān Jammāl to have said: My master, Imām al-Ṣādiq (a) counselled me to visit the holy tomb of Imām al-Ḥusayn(a) on the Day of Arbaʿīn. He emphasized that it would be preferable to make this visit in the early forenoon and to express my devotion using the following words:
اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَى وَلِيِّ الله وَحَبِيبِهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَى خَلِيلِ الله وَ نَجِيبِهِ
Peace be upon the intimate servant of Allāh and His most-beloved. Peace be upon the friend of Allāh and His elite.
اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَى صَفِيِّ الله وَابْنِ صَفِيِّهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَى الْحُسَيْنِ الْمَظْلُومِ الشَّهِيدِ
Peace be upon the choice of Allāh and son of His choice. Peace be upon Al-Ḥusayn the wronged and martyred.
اَلسَّلاَمُ على أسِيرِ الْكُرُبَاتِ وَقَتِيلِ الْعَبَرَاتِ
Peace be upon the captive of agonies and victim of the shed tears.
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أشْهَدُ أنَّهُ وَلِيُّكَ وَابْنُ وَلِيِّكَ وَصَفِيُّكَ وَابْنُ صَفِيِّكَ
O Allāh, I do bear witness that he is verily Your intimate servant and son of Your intimate servant, Your choice and son of Your choice,
الْفَائِزُ بِكَرَامَتِكَ أكْرَمْتَهُ بِالشَّهَادَةِ وَحَبَوْتَهُ بِالسَّعَادَةِ
and the winner of Your honoring. You have honored him with martyrdom, endued him with happiness,
وَاجْتَبَيْتَهُ بِطِيبِ الْوِلاَدَةِ وَجَعَلْتَهُ سَيِّداً مِنَ السَّادَةِ وَقَائِداً مِنَ الْقَادَةِ وَذَائِداً مِنْ الذَّادَةِ
privileged him with legitimate birth, made him one of the chiefs, one of the leaders, and one of the defenders (of Your religion),
وَأعْطَيْتَهُ مَوَارِيثَ الأنْبِيَاءِ وَجَعَلْتَهُ حُجَّةً عَلَى خَلْقِكَ مِنَ الأوْصِيَاءِ
gave him the inheritances of the Prophets, and chose him as argument against Your created beings and one of the Prophets’ successors.
فَأعْذَرَ فِي الدُّعَاءِ وَمَنَحَ النُّصْحَ وَبَذَلَ مُهْجَتَهُ فِيكَ
So, he called to you flawlessly, gave advices, and sacrificed his soul for You
لِيَسْتَنْقِذَ عِبَادَكَ مِنَ الْجَهَالَةِ وَحَيْرَةِ الضَّلاَلَةِ
to save Your servants from ignorance and perplexity of straying off.
وَقَدْ تَوَازَرَ عَلَيْهِ مَنْ غَرَّتْهُ الدُّنْيَا وَبَاعَ حَظَّهُ بِالأرْذَلِ الأدْنَى
Yet, those whom were seduced by this worldly life, who sold their share (of reward) with the lowliest and meanest,
وَشَرَى آخِرَتَهُ بِالثَّمَنِ الأوْكَسِ وَتَغَطْرَسَ وَتَرَدَّى فِي هَوَاهُ
retailed their Hereafter with the cheapest price, acted haughtily, perished because of following their desires,
وَأسْخَطَكَ وَأسْخَطَ نَبِيَّكَ وَأطَاعَ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ أهْلَ الشِّقَاقِ وَالنِّفَاقِ وَحَمَلَةَ الأوْزَارِ الْمُسْتَوْجِبِينَ النَّارَ
brought to themselves Your wrath and the wrath of Your Prophet, and obeyed the dissident and hypocritical servants of You and the bearers of the burdens (of sins) who deserve Hellfire—all those supported each other against him.
فَجَاهَدَهُمْ فِيكَ صَابِراً مُحْتَسِباً حَتَّى سُفِكَ فِي طَاعَتِكَ دَمُهُ وَاسْتُبِيحَ حَرِيـمُهُ
However, he fought against them painstakingly with steadfastness expecting Your reward until his blood was shed on account of his obedience to You and his women were violated.
اَللَّهُمَّ فَالْعَنْهُمْ لَعْناً وَبيلاَ وَعَذِّبْهُمْ عَذَاباً ألِيماً
So, O Allāh, pour heavy curses on them and chastise them with painful chastisement.
اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ رَسُولِ الله اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ سَيِّدِ الأوْصِيَاءِ
Peace be upon you, O son of Allāh’s Messenger. Peace be upon you, O son of the chief of the Prophets’ successors.
أشْهَدُ أنَّكَ أمِينُ الله وَابْنُ أمِينِهِ عِشْتَ سَعيداً وَمَضَيْتَ حَمِيداً وَمُتَّ فَقِيداً مَظْلُوماً شَهِيداً
I bear witness that you are verily the trustee of Allāh and the son of His trustee. You lived with happiness, passed away with praiseworthiness, and died missed, wronged, and martyred.
وَأشْهَدُ أنَّ اللَّهَ مُنْجِزٌ مَا وَعَدَكَ وَمُهْلِكٌ مَنْ خَذَلَكَ وَمُعَذِّبٌ مَنْ قَتَلَكَ
I also bear witness that Allāh shall inevitably fulfill His promise to You, exterminate those who disappointed you, and chastise those who slew you.
وَأشْهَدُ أنَّكَ وَفَيْتَ بِعَهْدِ الله وَجَاهَدْتَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ حَتَّى أتَاكَ الْيَقِينُ
I also bear witness that you fulfilled your pledge to Allāh and strove hard in His way until death came upon you.
فَلَعَنَ اللَّهُ مَنْ قَتَلَكَ وَلَعَنَ اللَّهُ مَنْ ظَلَمَكَ وَلَعَنَ اللَّهُ أمَّةً سَمِعَتْ بِذٰلِكَ فَرَضِيَتْ بِهِ
So, may Allāh curse those who slew you. May Allāh curse those who wronged you. May Allāh curse the people who, when informed about that, were pleased with it.
اَللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أشْهِدُكَ أنِّي وَلِيٌّ لِمَنْ وَالاَهُ وَعَدُوٌّ لِمَنْ عَادَاهُ
O Allāh, I do ask You to witness for me that I am loyalist to those who are loyalists to him and enemy of those who are enemies of him.
بِأبِي أنْتَ وَأمِّي يَا بْنَ رَسُولِ الله أشْهَدُ أنَّكَ كُنْتَ نُوراً فِي الأصْلاَبِ الشَّامِخَةِ وَالأرْحَامِ الْمُطَهَّرَةِ
May my father and mother be accepted as ransoms for you, O son of Allāh’s Messenger. I bear witness that you were light in the sublime loins and purified wombs
لَمْ تُنَجِّسْكَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةُ بِأنْجَاسِهَا وَلَمْ تُلْبِسْكَ الْمُدْلَهِمَّاتُ مِنْ ثِيَابِهَا
the impurities of the Ignorance Era could not object you to filth nor could its murky clothes dress you
وَأشْهَدُ أنَّكَ مِنْ دَعَائِمِ الدِّينِ وَأرْكَانِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَمَعْقِلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
I also bear witness that you are one of the mainstays of the religion, the supports of Muslims, and the haven of the believers
وَأشْهَدُ أنَّكَ الإِمَامُ الْبَرُّ التَّقِيُّ الرَّضِيُّ الزَّكِيُّ الْهَادِي الْمَهْدِيُّ
I also bear witness that you are the God-fearing, pious, pleased, immaculate, guide, and well-guided Imām
وَأشْهَدُ أنَّ الأئِمَّةَ مِنْ وُلْدِكَ كَلِمَةُ التَّقْوَى وَأعْلاَمُ الْهُدَى وَالْعُرْوَةُ الْوُثْقَى وَالْحُجَّةُ على أهْلِ الدُّنْيَا
And I bear witness that the Imāms from your progeny are the spokesmen of piety, the signs of guidance, the firmest handle (of Islam), and the decisive Argument against the inhabitants of the world.
وَأشْهَدُ أنِّي بِكُمْ مُؤْمِنٌ وَبِإِيَابِكُمْ مُوقِنٌ بِشَرَايِعِ دِينِي وَخَوَاتِيمِ عَمَلِي
I also bear witness that I believe in you all and in your Return, I have full confidence in the laws of my religion and in the seals of my deeds,
وَقَلْبِي لِقَلْبِكُمْ سِلْمٌ وَأمْرِي لأمْرِكُمْ مُتَّبِعٌ وَنُصْرَتِي لَكُمْ مُعَدَّةٌ حَتَّى يَأذَنَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ
my heart is at peace with you all, all my affairs are based on your commands, and my support for you all is already all set until Allāh permits you
فَمَعَكُمْ مَعَكُمْ لاَ مَعَ عَدُوِّكُمْ صَلَوَاتُ الله عَلَيْكُمْ
So, I am with you. I am with you, not with your enemies. Allāh’s blessings be upon you,
وَعَلَى أرْوَاحِكُمْ وَأجْسَادِكُمْ وَشَاهِدِكُمْ وَغَائِبِكُمْ وَظَاهِرِكُمْ وَبَاطِنِكُمْ آمِينَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ
upon your souls, upon your bodies, upon the present and the absent from you, and upon the apparent and the invisible from you. Respond to us, O Lord of the Worlds.
Source: Mahdism.net