Former Diplomat: Arbaeen Can Amplify Gaza’s Cry for Justice
Mohammad Hassan Qadiri Abyaneh, former ambassador to Australia and Mexico, emphasized the potential of the Arbaeen pilgrimage to raise global awareness about Gaza’s suffering, describing it as a unique stage for uniting voices against oppression.
“This massive presence can serve as a powerful tool to broadcast the message of the oppressed, especially the people of Gaza,” he said.
“The diversity of pilgrims from various countries reflects the dynamism and awakening of the Islamic Ummah in the face of injustice.”
Held annually in Iraq, the Arbaeen pilgrimage marks 40 days after Ashura—the day commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In recent years, over 20 million people from across the world, including followers of other religions, have participated, making it one of the largest peaceful gatherings on earth.
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Qadiri Abyaneh stressed that the walk is “not merely a religious event,” but a display of “love, sacrifice, and service,” with pilgrims often walking hundreds of kilometers toward Karbala. “It’s the largest continuous mass movement in history—united not by politics or power, but by shared values,” he said.
He drew a direct line between the spirit of resistance exemplified in Imam Hussein’s (AS) stand at Karbala and the current Palestinian struggle. “Ashura taught us that in Islam, there is no dead end. Even a small, righteous minority can stand against overwhelming injustice—as Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions did,” he explained.
Condemning Israeli atrocities in Gaza and beyond, he added, “The Zionist regime, intoxicated by the illusion of ethnic supremacy, commits horrific crimes that ultimately backfire against itself.”
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Qadiri Abyaneh argued that the unity expressed during Arbaeen—especially among Iranians and other Muslim nations—sends a strong message of solidarity to the so-called Axis of Resistance, which includes groups and states opposing Israeli policies in the region.
He also noted a growing awareness among ordinary citizens in Western countries. “Public consciousness is rising, even in countries that are traditionally seen as supporters of Israel,” he said, referring to increasing global protests and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
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