Scholar Highlights Pilgrims’ Role in Spreading Arbaeen Message
Speaking to IQNA, Hojat-ol-Islam Saeed Solhmirzaei, a senior Qom Seminary scholar, said if pilgrims and the media can present an accurate picture of this global movement to the world, the power of Muslims in the international arena will be strengthened.
Each attendee, he said, can amplify Arbaeen’s message of cohesion beyond ethnic and racial divides and proper media portrayal could increase global awareness of Imam Hussein’s (AS) legacy and Islam itself.
If media and pilgrims present a truthful narrative—highlighting issues like Palestine and exposing the Israeli regime’s acts of aggression and the US colonialism—it will undoubtedly empower Muslims internationally, he emphasized.
He further cited Ashura’s themes of sacrifice, resilience, and devotion as foundational to Arbaeen’s spirit, calling it “a model for Islamic unity”.
“In Arbaeen, colors and ethnicities give way to unity and cohesion, and the experience of such a faithful lifestyle gives pilgrims and their associates the ability to reproduce it during the rest of the year. Therefore, Arbaeen can be a symbol of Islamic unity,” the cleric stated.
He added that the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, which draws millions to Iraq’s holy city of Karbala, serves as a powerful platform to strengthen Muslim unity and project Islamic solidarity globally.
“Arbaeen reinforces faith, especially among youth, and fosters brotherhood among people. It deepens emotional bonds between nations devoted to Imam Hussein (AS) and strengthens the strategic influence of the Islamic Republic,” Hojat-ol-Islam Solhmirzaei said.
He noted that the pilgrimage, attracting over 20 million people, is one of the world’s largest gatherings, drawing global focus to Muslim unity.
He also said while Hajj and the holy month of Ramadan enhance spirituality, Arbaeen’s uniqueness lies in its mass participation, including those who contribute financially or symbolically walk to local shrines.
He went on to say that Arbaeen’s blend of spiritual revival and geopolitical messaging positions it as a potential catalyst for Muslim solidarity amid global challenges.
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Arbaeen is a religious event observed by Shia Muslims on the fortieth day after the Day of Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the third Shia imam.
It is one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, with millions of Shia Muslims, as well as many Sunnis and followers of other religions, walking to Karbala from various cities in Iraq and neighboring countries. This year, the day of Arbaeen will fall on August 14.
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