What is the significance of the Arbaeen pilgrimage which is considered a sign of faith?
Every year, when the 20th of Safar (lunar month) arrives, the roads leading to Karbala take on a different hue. Millions of people, regardless of race, language, religion, or borders, walk the path of love, a path that ends at the shrine of Imam Hussain (Peace be upon him). Yet, what is Arbaeen, really, that brings about such an epic? Why do hearts become restless, prompting people to walk hundreds of kilometers, just to visit one shrine?
Arbaeen is not just a religious occasion. It is a movement, a shared spiritual experience, and an unspoken invitation to return to the truth. The pilgrimage to Imam Hussain (Peace be upon him) on the day of Arbaeen is not only a Shia ritual but a global and human phenomenon—a ritual that carries within it concepts like loyalty, justice-seeking, empathy, and self-knowledge.
However, what is the secret hidden in this day that shakes the hearts of millions? Why does Arbaeen Pilgrimage hold such a special place in Shia culture?
The answer can be found in a well-known narration from Imam Hassan Askari (peace be upon him), where he said:
“The signs of a believer are five: performing the fifty-one rak’ahs of prayer, Ziyarat Arbaeen prayer(the supplication recited on Arbaeen), wearing a ring on the right hand, prostration on dirt, and loudly reciting Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim (In the name of Allah) [1].”
In this narration, the Arbaeen Pilgrimage is placed alongside prayer and other essential acts of faith, not just as a recommended act, but as a sign of true belief. That is, someone whose heart is aligned with Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) cannot remain indifferent to Arbaeen.
The Arbaeen Pilgrimage is a symbol of the active and living connection between humans and their Imam of the time. It represents loyalty to a path that began with bloodshed and Imam’s martyrdom, and continues through the Arbaeen walk. Arbaeen means that Hussain of our time is not alone; there are still those who, with all their hearts and souls, answer the Imam’s call .
In this article, we are going to find answers to the question: What is the Arbaeen Pilgrimage, and why is the visit to Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) on this day so important and different from other days? Answers that are rooted both in history and in our hearts.
What Makes Visiting Imam Hussain (PBUH) on Arbaeen Different from Other Days?
What makes the Arbaeen Pilgrimage so unique that the visit to the shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) on this day stands apart from all other days of the year? The visit to Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) on the day of Arbaeen holds a special place not only in Shia culture but also among followers of other religions. Arbaeen differs from other days of the year in terms of its spiritual, historical, social, and even political significance. For Shia Muslims, Arbaeen is not merely a religious date; it is a symbol of steadfastness, loyalty, and connection with Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and his goals in Karbala. In this section of the article, we aim to explore some of the reasons why the pilgrimage on the day of Arbaeen holds greater importance compared to other days of the year.
Arbaeen: A Symbol of Returning to the Imam and Renewing the Allegiance to Him
Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) is the symbol of freedom for the world and a role model of standing against oppression. Therefore, the Arbaeen Pilgrimage is a symbol of returning to the Imam and renewing the covenant with him. Every year, Muslims and non-Muslims from around the world, following in the footsteps of Lady Zainab (peace be upon her) and the other captives of Karbala, travel to Karbala on the 20th of Safar. They go there to renew their allegiance to Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) on behalf of all those unable to attend, while honoring his ideals.
The Significance of Prayer and Intercession on the Day of Arbaeen
Shia Muslims believe that prayer and intercession on the day of Arbaeen have a unique and profound impact compared to other days of the year. The Arbaeen Pilgrimage, one of the most important and well-known pilgrimages, is regarded as one of the best means of drawing closer to God and earning His mercy. Arbaeen is a day of returning to the mercy and embrace of the Imam. Therefore, prayers on this day are markedly different from those of other days of the year.
However, a person who has achieved self-knowledge and understands the true relationship between themselves and the infallible Imam does not pray on such a day merely earthly desires. Rather their prayers reflect a deeper spiritual journey under the guidance of the Imam. As mentioned, it is the essence of prayer that determines the extent and its effect on the day of Arbaeen. It is clear that one’s prayers reflect their knowledge of themselves and their Imam. Someone who knows their true self, tries to realize Imam’s ideals, and, by joining the ranks of the righteous, shares the deeds of all those who walk the same path.
Empathy and the Unity of Hearts on Arbaeen
On the day of Arbaeen, people from all corners of the world travel to Iraq to participate in the global pilgrimage to visit Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). This spiritual gathering, which takes place in the form of millions of pilgrims walking, manifests the unity and empathy among people from different ethnicities, nationalities, and religions, creating a space of peace and tranquility.
According to Shia beliefs, empathy is one of the key elements that lay the foundation for the appearance of the world’s savior, Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him), the manifestation of which can clearly be seen during the Arbaeen Pilgrimage.
The Arbaeen Walk: A Reminder of the Ashura Event
The visit to Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) on the day of Arbaeen is significant not only from a spiritual perspective but also from a historical one. This day serves as a reminder of the message of Ashura and the immense sacrifices made by Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and his companions to revive the religion and defend human principles. Arbaeen is an ideal opportunity to revisit the goals of the Ashura uprising, emphasize the principles of fighting oppression and corruption, and preserve the memory and ideals of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and his companions.
The Arbaeen Pilgrimage for Those Left Behind
Not all Arbaeen pilgrims are only those who could go and walk along the Arbaeen walking route. Some sit with broken hearts behind a television screen, sending their gaze to the shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). Others, caught in the hustle of work and life, burn with the longing for a prayer by the shrine. But the important question is: Are only those who walk to Karbala the true pilgrims?
In Shia culture, the pilgrimage from afar is not only accepted but also recommended.
On the day of Arbaeen, the pilgrimage from a distance is an opportunity for those whose hearts are with the Imam but whose bodies have been unable to make the journey. Sometimes, a heart left behind from the Arbaeen walking route is as beloved to the Lord as thousands of steps taken with devotion on the road. What makes the pilgrimage valuable is not the physical presence; it is the presence of knowledge, love, and a pure intention.
For those who are unable to attend, prayer, reciting the pilgrimage supplications, taking symbolic steps, or even serving the pilgrims can be as valuable as participating in the pilgrimage. There are many who have not made the physical journey but have arrived spiritually, and some people who have traveled yet remained distant in heart!
Being left behind on Arbaeen is not just about physical distance; it is the distance of the heart. Whoever’s heart is with Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) will never fall behind the caravan.
Reciting the Prayer of the Ziyarat Arbaeen
The Ziyarat Arbaeen is not just a few lines of a mere prayer. If we read it carefully, we see that it is a complete manifesto of knowledge—a declaration in which Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) is described not only as a martyr but as the savior of humanity. At the very beginning of the prayer, there is a phrase that clearly outlines the depth of the Ashura uprising:
“And he sacrificed his soul for You to save Your servants from ignorance and perplexity of straying off.”
Here, Ashura is introduced as a humanitarian salvation movement. Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) gave his life to free humanity. As the prayer continues, concepts like the pursuit of truth, adherence to wilayah (accepting leadership of Imam), supporting the Imam, and readiness for sacrifice in the path of God are discussed. The Arbaeen pilgrims, while reciting this prayer, do not just ask the Imam for their needs, but renew their pledge to him:
“My heart is surrendered to You, my thoughts follow You, and my support for you all is ready all set.”
In truth, the Ziyarat Arbaeen prayer is an invitation—an invitation to awareness, to wilayah, to readiness to assist the truth. This prayer takes the individual beyond the role of a mere spectator, placing them in the ranks of the Imam’s companions. If someone reads this prayer with reflection, they are no longer just a “pilgrim”; they become a companion, a follower, and a supporter of the Imam.
The Arbaeen Pilgrimage: A Way to Keep the Truth Alive
In a world where truth often hides under the dust of forgetfulness, Arbaeen presents an opportunity to illuminate the light of remembrance and awakening. The visit to Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) on this day is not just a physical journey; it is an inward journey from the fragmented “I” to the united “we,” from the mundane to meaning, from aimlessness to allegiance with a noble cause. Arbaeen is an exhibition of love and loyalty. It is as if every step along the pilgrimage path revives a page of Karbala’s history, connecting hearts with the message of Ashura.
Within this pilgrimage, not only is the memory of the martyrs and the suffering of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) kept alive, but one also reminds themselves that they can still stand on the side of truth, even if the enemies are many.
Ultimately, the Arbaeen Pilgrimage is a practice for the global manifestation of justice. Just as hearts gather around Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) on this day, tomorrow, hearts filled with anticipation will gather around the awaited Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance). Arbaeen is a prelude to the creation of a world based on mercy, justice, and security.
In this way, the Arbaeen Pilgrimage goes beyond a ritual; it becomes a symbol of faith and human awakening.
References
- Majlesi, Bihar Al-Anwar, vol. 82, H. 7, p. 63
Source: https://en.whoisimammahdi.com
