Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on August 25, 2024
Millions of Shiite pilgrims gather in Karbala to commemorate Imam Hussein’s death
On Saturday, the city of Karbala was electric with devotion as pilgrims gathered at the Imam Hussein Shrine, their rhythmic self-flagellation echoing through the air.
Shiite pilgrims mark the holiday of Arbaeen in Karbala, Iraq. The holiday marks the end of the forty-day mourning period after the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, in the 7th century. (AP)
Millions of Shiite Muslims converged in Karbala, Iraq, on Saturday for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, news agency Associated Press reported. The event, which occurs 40 days after Ashura, marks the end of a mourning period. However, this year’s pilgrimage was muted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, over 3 million pilgrims had arrived in Iraq by Friday, with heightened security measures implemented to protect them, AP reported citing Tahseen Al-Khafaji, head of the Iraqi security media cell.
Fears of the conflict spreading into a broader regional crisis have grown, particularly after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, which heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.
However, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life, with over 40,000 people reported killed. This has led to widespread condemnation and expressions of sorrow from various Muslim communities, including both Sunni and Shiite groups.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, which takes place on the 20th day of Safar in the Islamic lunar calendar, attracts millions of devotees from around the world to Karbala.(AP)
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, which takes place on the 20th day of Safar in the Islamic lunar calendar, attracts millions of devotees from around the world to Karbala. They gather to pay their respects at the site where Imam Hussein and his half-brother, Imam Abbas, were martyred.
For many, this annual pilgrimage is a powerful symbol of the Shiite community’s resilience and unity in the face of centuries of challenges.
On Saturday, the city of Karbala was filled with religious fervor as pilgrims gathered at the Imam Hussein Shrine, their rhythmic self-flagellation echoing through the air.
Story continues below this ad
Fears of the conflict spreading into a broader regional crisis have grown, particularly after the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, which heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. (AP)
The Mandali border crossing in Diyala province was a major entry point, welcoming pilgrims from various countries, including Iran, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and others. Along the 113-kilometer route from Baghdad to Karbala, volunteers provided food and drinks to weary pilgrims.
However, this year’s pilgrimage was overshadowed by a tragic bus accident in central Iran, which resulted in the deaths of 28 passengers and injuries to 23 others, with 14 in critical condition.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Live Blog
Advertisement