AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Renowned Spanish photographer Manolo Espaliú referred to the promotion of unity and peaceful coexistence among followers of different faiths as a major achievement of the Arbaeen march.
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 fell on August 25.
Espaliú has been among the Christian Arbaeen pilgrims in recent years. Speaking to IQNA, he said Arbaeen had no special meaning for him before attending the procession for the first time a few years ago.
But after that first time, “I always wished I could go back. I had never seen such a large gathering of believers walking side by side with such peace and harmony.”
He added that being a Christian was not a problem, but that he was welcome wherever he went.
“Moreover, I was not the only Christian there, as there were others from Iraq, Armenia and other countries taking part in the procession.”
Espaliú said the main messages of the Arbaeen pilgrimage include striving for world peace, helping one’s fellow human beings, and striving for global justice.
He also stressed that the Arbaeen march can be a model for enhancing unity and peaceful coexistence among followers of various faiths.
“This event should be promoted more to non-Muslims so that they realize that it is open to everyone. Unfortunately, Arbaeen is not well known in the West and the media does not cover it properly.”
The Spanish photojournalist also said Arbaeen can help develop cultural exchanges among different societies, prevent biases and promote mutual understanding.
“Many people in the West do not have accurate information about Islam and Shiism, and Arbaeen can be an opportunity for them to learn more about the religion.”
Arbaeen can be used as a means for expanding religious diplomacy and positive ties among religions, he further stated.
“The future of interfaith interactions is very promising and procession like Arbaeen can help to strengthen such interactions.”
Asked about the challenges in the way of organizing the annual pilgrimage, he cited ensuring security as one of the main challenges, noting that terrorist groups like Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) have frequently threatened to target the procession.
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