AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The specialized meeting “Arbaeen Walk, Contexts, Opportunities, and Challenges” was held by ABNA News Agency in the meeting hall of the news agency, with the presence of Dr. Saeed Bakshi, faculty member of Allameh Tabatabai University, and Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Haeripour, faculty member of Ayandey Roshan Institute.
At the beginning of the meeting, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Haeripour offered his condolences on the month of Muharram and the mourning days for Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his loyal companions to Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and all the Islamic Ummah, especially the Shiites and Imam’s followers. Then, he expressed his views and opinions.
The following is Dr. Haeripour’s lecture in the meeting:
With the arrival of the month of Muharram, everywhere is filled with mourning, and all hearts are influenced by Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his sacrifice. Also, in recent years, Arbaeen of (the 40th day after) the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.), especially the huge procession of the devotees and lovers of the Imam, towards his Holy Shrine, has been proposed. It is appropriate that every year discussions are held between ulama, scholars, intellectuals, and experts about Arbaeen and its great walk. Also, think tanks should be established to discuss the various aspects of this great human, divine, and AhlulBayt (a.s.) movement. Arbaeen Great Walk has a huge capacity, and its various dimensions should be discussed.
The Hussaini passion is the cause of the movement
The first context among the formation contexts of the Arbaeen Great Walk is the holy existence of Imam Hussain (a.s.) himself. That is, the great Jihad that the Imam had was one of the most important factors in the formation of this great movement. In a hadith, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) stated: “إِنَّ لِقَتْلِ الْحُسَيْنِ حَرَارَةً فِي قُلُوبِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ لَا تَبْرُدُ أَبَداً” (Surely, there exists in the hearts of the believers, with respect to the martyrdom of Hussain (AS), a heat that never subsides.) This heat has caused this great movement to take shape and the lovers of Imam Hussain (a.s.) step on this path with passion, knowledge, awareness, and insight. Despite all the hardships along this path, the mentioned heat keeps crowds moving.
The second factor in the formation of this great movement is the recommendations of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and AhlulBayt (a.s.) to keep alive the school of Ashura, Muharram, and to remember the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (a.s.). There are countless recommendations in this regard from the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and the AhlulBayt (a.s.), and from the ulama and elders of Islam.
Kamil al-Ziyarat, Shiite outstanding book
In Kamil al-Ziyarat, by Ibn Qulawayh, one of the best Shiite books, there are several narrations recommending the pilgrimage and going on foot to the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s.). Some people think that today there is no room for walking while vehicles are at their disposal. While in Iraq, some people go on a long pilgrimage to Karbala on foot. When I saw a group of mourners next to the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s.), I asked one of its members where they came from. He said: From Basra! I said: How many days did it take you to reach Karbala? He said: 18 days! Such enthusiasm is not a matter of taste, and people do not do it out of their personal taste and choice.
Going on foot to pilgrimage is a principle
In the narrations related to the pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (a.s.), walking is mentioned specifically, and this is not limited to a specific time. Since the past, the ulama and sources of emulation of Najaf have preserved this way and tradition, and it is not like to say that because there were no cars in the past, they used to go on pilgrimage on foot. Although there were no cars in the past there were riding animals. That is, people could move with horses or other riding animals. However, the fact that the hadiths specifically mention that “every step taken on the route for the pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (a.s.) has the reward of Hajj and Umrah” is because walking and going on foot on the pilgrimage of the Imam is a principle.
Perhaps one of the reasons for this is that by walking towards the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s.), devotion and love towards Imam (a.s.) is shown more, and the devotion and expression of courtesy to him occurs openly. Today, when the crowd goes to the Shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s.) on foot, the glory of devotion and expression of politeness is displayed. Whereas if this crowd had moved with different types of cars and vehicles, this magnificent display of politeness and affection would never have happened.
Prayer of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) for the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s.)
AhlulBayt (a.s.) have recommended the mentioned issue in their words. As an example of such hadiths, Muawiya bin Wahab said:
“One day I was honored to be in the presence of Imam Sadiq (a.s.). I saw the Imam saying Salah. I waited for him to finish his Salah. Then, I saw that Imam prays to God after his Salau and says: “اللَّهُمَّ يَا مَنْ خَصَّنَا بِالْكَرَامَةِ وَ وَعَدَنَا بِالشَّفَاعَةِ” (Oh God, who has specified honor for us and promised us intercession). Imam Sadiq (a.s.) first praises God for the high position and the promise of intercession He has given to AhlulBayt (a.s.). Then Imam said: “اغْفِرْ لِي وَ لِإِخْوَانِي وَ زُوَّارِ قَبْرِ أَبِيَ الْحُسَيْنِ” (God! Forgive me and my brothers, and the pilgrims to the grave of my forefather Hussain (a.s.).) “الَّذِينَ أَنْفَقُوا أَمْوَالَهُمْ وَ أَشْخَصُوا أَبْدَانَهُمْ” (Those who spend their wealth and display their bodies.)
Here, one of the meanings of the Arabic word “أَشْخَصُوا” is that the person is clearly moving towards the pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (a.s.). That is, he makes a journey that if anyone sees, he will understand that it is for the purpose of pilgrimage. When the pilgrim comes with anything other than by foot, there is no clear sign of pilgrimage. Because when people see him, they say that maybe he has another motivation to move in this direction. But when he goes on foot, everyone understands that he is a pilgrim, and he is going on a pilgrimage because man cannot travel a long way on foot for other reasons. Those who “أَشْخَصُوا أَبْدَانَهُمْ” their bodies in the way of pilgrimage, it was for they wanted to do us (AhlulBayt) good, give us gifts and make our enemies angry.
Then Muawiya bin Wahab said, “The Imam prayed for the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and said: “O God, have mercy on faces colored by the heat of the sun.”
The end of the hadith reads, “When the prayer of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) was over, I (Muawiya bin Wahab) said to the Imam: “Sir, you prayed a lot! If these prayers that I heard from you were for someone who did not know God and had no knowledge of Him, I thought that he would be saved from the fire of hell with these prayers. I swear to God, I wished I had been a pilgrim of Hussain (a.s.) and had not gone to Hajj.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: “I tell you not to leave the pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (a.s.). Why do you leave the pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (AS)? Why didn’t you go (on the pilgrimage of the Imam)? I replied: “Sir, I did not know that the pilgrimage of Hussain bin Ali (a.s.) has so many (virtues and rewards). Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said to me, “O Muawiya (bin Wahab)! Those who pray for the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s.) in heaven, are more than those who pray on earth”.”
The months of Muharram and Safar have kept Islam alive
As discussed, one of the grounds of this movement (Arbaeen Great Walk) is Imam Hussain (a.s.) himself and his great jihad, which does not allow the Islamic Ummah and his Shiites to rest. Therefore, this enthusiasm is always increasing.
On this occasion, it is appropriate to mention one of the sayings of the late Imam Khomeini (r.a.) in which he had a strong recommendation in this regard. In one of his famous speeches, Imam Khomeini (r.a.) said, “Keep Muharram alive. All we have is from this month. It is Muharram and Safar that have kept Islam alive. All of this unity, which became the source of our victory, is because of these mourning gatherings, propagation, and promotion of Islam. These mourning gatherings and these gatherings to commemorate the Masters of the Oppressed [Imam Hussain (a.s.)] – which are the gatherings of the victory of the army of reason over ignorance, justice over oppression, trust over betrayal, and Islamic rule over tyrant rule – should be held as magnificently and powerfully as possible. The bloody flags of the Day of Ashura should be raised as much as possible to mark the coming of the day of revenge for the oppressed against the oppressor.”
Therefore, one of the manifestations of the revival of the movement of Imam Hussain (a.s.) is the Arbaeen Great Walk, where flags are hoisted. This huge gathering is held only with the Hussaini (a.s.) motivation to commemorate the Imam’s uprising, to declare solidarity with him, and to announce our readiness to avenge his blood alongside Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
The role of Arbaeen in the unity of the Islamic Ummah
Arbaeen Walk brings unity and solidarity among the Islamic Ummah. It was appropriate that the greatness and enormity of the Arbaeen movement and the huge gathering of 20 million people (according to the Iraqi government) have been reported in all the world’s media outlets from the days and years of its formation. But this has not and will not happen because the enemies know that this move will lead to the growth and unity of the Islamic Ummah. Even, this movement is not exclusive to Shiites, and Sunnis also participate in it. Hussain Ibn Ali (a.s.) is the third Imam of Shiites. But all Muslims know that he is the grandson of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), who said about him, “الْحَسَنُ وَ الْحُسَيْنُ سَيِّدَا شَبَابِ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ” (Hassan and Hussain are the lords of the people of paradise). Therefore, Imam Hussain (a.s.) is dear and beloved to all the Islamic Ummah.
This movement was formed with Imam Hussain (a.s.) as its center, and other religions and Islamic denominations also participate in it. Enemies are worried because they worked hard for years to create discord and division. But a path has been opened to prevent division and promote unity. We must help to create unity.
Another point is that in these very gatherings, empathy and intimacy increase. The Quran advocates love between hearts: “إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ” (The faithful are indeed brothers.) (Quran, 39: 10). In this regard, the Quran says that humans are brothers. In Arbaeen Great Walk, we see that brotherhood is strengthened not only between the nations of Iran and Iraq but also among all nations, and we must plan to increase and improve this matter year by year.
Arbaeen paves the way for the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)
The third point that can be mentioned about the Arbaeen Great Walk is that this movement is considered a preparation for the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). For his uprising, Imam Mahdi (a.s.) needs a crowd to support him. This context is strengthened in the Arbaeen Walk. Speakers or poets should also try to strengthen Arbaeen Great Walk. This movement strengthens the faith and belief of all those who participate in it, and even those who see the images of this magnificent community from afar and miss it. Several times the number of people who participate in the Arbaeen Walk, there are definitely those who were eager to participate but could not for various reasons. Therefore, in this way, a connection is established between all hearts, and they are close to the movement of Imam Hussain (a.s.) in terms of belief and practice.
The importance of collective worship in Islam
Further in the meeting, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Bakhshi, after expressing his condolences on the days of martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.), expressed his views and opinions about the Arbaeen Great Walk contexts, which follows:
For my part, I also offer my condolences on the days of mourning for Imam Hussain (a.s.) and I ask God that we will be among the true Shiites and mourners of the Imam.
In the narrations, the importance and reward of the pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (a.s.) has been emphasized so much that a book called Kamil Al Ziarat was written about it. This indicates how important Ziyarat is. Encouraging the pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (a.s.), AhlulBayt (a.s.), stating the reward of their Ziyarat, narrating the pilgrimage letters that have reached us from AhlulBayt (a.s.) and the Infallibles (a.s.), creates an important context for talking about Ziyarat. Perhaps one of the important grounds for the establishment of the Arbaeen Great Walk is these traditions.
Another point is the desirability of group and congregational worship. It is good to say Salah alone. But for saying it in the congregation, there are countless rewards. In a way that, if the number of participants exceeds 10, even if the trees are pens and the seas are ink, they will not be able to write its reward. Group and congregational worship has a special feature. Therefore, we read in the hadiths: “One of the things that will help your prayers to be answered is congregational praying.” So congregational prayer is a principle itself. Also, for saying Salah for Rain, it is recommended to perform it in the congregation.
Being together has blessings that are not available individually. Therefore, this issue creates the glory of this mass movement and congregational pilgrimage in Arbaeen Great Walk.
Arbaeen creates the ground for Shiite interaction
Regarding the creation of opportunities, it should be said that the Arbaeen pilgrimage can provide many opportunities for us Shiites, which can be clearly seen with a little reflection.
One of these opportunities is more familiarity and interaction among Shiites. When the Shiites live separately in their region and like separate islands, they do not know each other’s status, capacities, desires, and tendencies. But when the Shiites from all over the world gather together, they get to know each other. This familiarity is an important point that brings hearts closer.
Imam Mahdi (a.s.) said in his blessed letter to Sheikh Mofid: “وَلَوْ اَنَّ اشْیاعَنا ـ وَفَّقَهُمُ اللّهُ لِطاعَتِهِ ـ عَلَی اجْتِماع مِنَ الْقُلُوبِ فِی الْوَفاءِ بِالْعَهْدِ عَلَیْهِمْ لَما تَاَخَّرَ عَنْهُمُ الْیُمْنَ بِلِقائِنا” (If our Shiites – may God grant them the success of obedience – would have sympathized in the way of fulfilling their promise, the felicity of our meeting with them would not have been delayed.) In this hadith, emphasis is placed on “اجْتِماع مِنَ الْقُلُوبِ” (the gathering of hearts). Why are hearts united by keeping a promise? It seems that the gathering of hearts has a great effect on keeping the promise, and the Imam also emphasizes this point. The issue of “اجْتِماع مِنَ الْقُلُوبِ” (gathering of hearts) can be seen in this Arbaeen Great Walk. Therefore, it can be seen that some pilgrims who go to Iraq make friends and acquaintances there and this relationship continues. These points emphasized in the hadiths are: “Be together, think of each other, and solve each other’s problems.” The Arbaeen Pilgrimage creates such an opportunity for the gathering of hearts. In my opinion, one of the important and great opportunities of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage is the mentioned issue.
Arbaeen and group life
Another opportunity created by Arbaeen pilgrimage is the practice and experience of living in a group. Arbaeen Pilgrimage, from the beginning to the end, lasts about a month, and this month is an opportunity to practice, and an experience to be together and interact with each other. Quranic verses also emphasize the interaction among group members. In the last verse of Surah Al-Imran, God says: “يا أَيُّهَا الَّذينَ آمَنُوا اصْبِرُوا وَ صابِرُوا وَ رابِطُوا” (O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other) (Quran, 3: 200). In the interpretation of this verse, the late Allameh Tabatabai makes a detailed sociological discussion and asks whether the individual, collective, or both are authentic? This verse commands: “Be patient, O believers.” The appearance of this verse emphasizes individual patience, and each human being should be a person of patience. Patience itself needs detailed explanations and means self-restraint in calamities, pleasant events, desires, sufferings, and problems. This verse further emphasizes the mutual patience of the parties and patience together with “صابروا”. That is, “wait together and practice to have this patience together and support each other in waiting.” Such support can be material or spiritual, or in the form of sympathy and being together. This verse also emphasizes having relationships with the word “رابِطُوا”.
Therefore, Arbaeen is a suitable opportunity, or in other words, a suitable platform for a group of believers and Shiites to interact and communicate with each other, which should not be neglected.
Arbaeen Pilgrimage strengthens the brotherhood
The third opportunity that Arbaeen Great Walk creates is the practice of brotherhood, coexistence, and tolerance of hardships, which in a way, is a further explanation of the previous topic. During the pilgrimage of Arbaeen, the Quranic verse “إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ” (The Believers are but a single Brotherhood) (Quran, 49: 10) is practiced, which is one of the Quranic certainties and rulings. Today, in individual or the normal lives of people in the city, village, or different regions, unfortunately, the issue of brotherhood – which is emphasized by the Quran and should be present throughout our lives – is not seen. Of course, this is our weakness, and we must promote brotherhood. But in the Arbaeen Pilgrimage, it can be seen that this brotherhood reaches its peak and creates a suitable opportunity to strengthen religious brotherhood.
An important issue that we should consider, is that empathy and brotherhood should not be limited to the time of Arbaeen, and we should extend it to all spheres of our lives. We see that our Iraqi brothers truly sacrifice themselves and we see brotherhood in Iraq. Sometimes maybe the lives of some of them are in trouble. However, they have been making financial plans months in advance so that they can provide facilities for Arbaeen and receive the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s.). Many narrations emphasize cooperation and sharing facilities.
Another issue is the practice of enduring hardships. A person who goes on the pilgrimage and Arbaeen Great Walk faces heat, cold, sometimes lack of facilities and dust, and there are difficulties in this way. Therefore, walking itself is an exercise for self-improvement and controlling the rebellious ego; a soul that has long been accustomed to being comfortable and being with family and facilities. This exercise is done during the Arbaeen Walk, and it is a good opportunity for a person to improve himself and to accustom his soul to bear hardships. Humans show different tastes when they are together. One feels cold, the other feels warm, and they disagree on food choices. However, being together and tolerating each other brings the hearts together and provides the basis for empathy.
Arbaeen: Int’l News Bomb
The fourth point that the Arbaeen Pilgrimage offers as an opportunity, is its huge media capacity and opportunity for Shia, which unfortunately we have not used well. Arbaeen is like a news bomb. A population of about 20 million people gather in one place. Regardless of the importance of the goals of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his teachings, if the news of the gathering of 20 million people in one place is published in the media, it will automatically raise questions for the people that “What brought 20 million people to a certain area?”, “What happened there (in Karbala, Iraq)?
Sometimes we hear in the news that a concert in a certain country has brought several million people from all over the world to that country. The issue of the population causes curiosity about the news. Why did these people go there? Unfortunately, we are unaware of Arbaeen’s media capacity. Arbaeen not only creates the capacity to propagate Islam and Shia but also promotes human values. Who was Imam Hussain (a.s.)? Why did he rise? Was his uprising for values? What was the movement and approach of Imam Hussain’s army? Arbaeen pilgrimage provides us with the opportunity to raise such questions.
In the second part of this meeting, Hojat al-Islam, Dr. Haeripour, concluded his speech:
It can be said that the Arbaeen movement has different aspects, and it should not be considered from one aspect. We must be careful about the challenges that may arise in this huge movement. Some challenges are related to facilities and services to pilgrims. Those who are responsible for planning in Iran and Iraq should facilitate the presence of the pilgrims, so that the movement is held every year more passionately than the previous year. The responsibility of people in both countries will definitely facilitate this process.
Just as Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) mourning ceremonies are not specific to a specific age group, such as the youth, all age groups, including adults and children, and even women, are present in the Arbaeen Walk. Because the ground is prepared for everyone to attend. In this huge movement, the officials and Mowkeb owners who come from the heart of society, and the main burden is on their shoulders, should try to provide a space and platform for the presence of all classes and age groups.
Arbaeen is not just mourning
Another issue that can be mentioned as a challenge is the limited and narrow-minded view of this huge movement. For example, it should be avoided that the whole goal is to join in mourning, and there is no more duty and mission than this. Certainly, in the great Hussaini movement of Arbeen, there is a mourning ceremony as wide as this long path (Najaf-Karbala Road), in which there is passion, excitement, declaration of sadness, and shedding of tears for Imam Hussain (a.s.). This issue is completely reserved. But we must be careful to avoid narrow-mindedness. We should know that one of the general goals of this movement is to establish a brotherly relationship with our brothers in Iraq, Turkey, or any of the Islamic and even non-Islamic countries.
Arbaeen is a loud cry and an incomparable media
I would like to refer here to the statement of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, who says: “Today, in the complex world of propaganda that dominates humanity, the Arbaeen movement is an incomparable cry and media.” He adds, “There is no such thing in the world.”
The fact that millions of people walk, not just from one city or one country, but from different countries, not just from one Islamic denomination, but from different Islamic denominations, and even some non-Islamic religions, is the Hussaini (a.s.) unity. Imam Hussain (a.s.) brings a huge gathering. Everyone is moving, everyone is walking towards the source of spirituality and freedom. They are showing off this to today’s material world.
The Supreme Leader recommends that the Arbaeen Walk should be developed so that more people attend it every year. Also, every year the pilgrims need to return to their homes with more achievements from this movement. Also, they need to be filled with the great spiritual capacity of pilgrimage. When the pilgrims return to their home and country, they have made great decisions. They have concluded that they should stand by Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) school and teachings more than in the past. This is a great message. Also, brotherhood, love, and relations should increase every year. If this happens, we have achieved a great deal from this move.
The necessity of being vigilant towards disagreements
In the end, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Bakshi also summarized his lecture and said:
One of the challenges that, in addition to elites, executives, and people need to address, is discord and disagreements. In various religious fields, there are differences among the lower levels of society up to the elites. There are differences in fundamentals and beliefs, and it automatically leads to differences in the type of mourning and perceptions of the movement of Imam Hussain (a.s.). Some people’s perception of Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) move is only mourning. This is their ultimate perception and understanding. Therefore, these issues can create challenges, which of course have solutions. Unfortunately, the lack of scientific relationship between elders and elites causes suspicions and speculations. With the formation of communication between elites, intellectuals, writers, and scholars, these debates can be resolved and this challenge can be prevented.
Arbaeen media challenge
Another challenge that should be considered is the media challenge. Arbaeen Great Walk censorship is a challenge. How can this challenge be solved and what solution can be adopted for it? Why Arbaeen is not covered by international media outlets? This is a challenge, and a solution should be provided for it.
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