Iranian Pilgrims Flood Iraq for First Arbaeen Since War
The pilgrimage draws more than 20 million people and marks the end of the mourning period for Husayn ibn Ali.
- On Wednesday, August 5, millions of pilgrims will converge on Karbala for the Arbaeen pilgrimage; Iraqi authorities reported Friday that around 3.5 million foreign visitors have already entered Iraq to attend.
- Arbaeen marks the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a founding figure in Shia Islam, commemorating the 680 C.E. killing of Prophet Muhammad's grandson near Karbala.
- This year's gathering occurs amid regional conflict following a US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, with Iranian pilgrims including Hamed Kameli carrying portraits of slain leader Ali Khamenei into Iraq.
- Pilgrims like 55-year-old driver Amir describe feeling "anxiety and fear" regarding economic hardship, while Fatemeh Moradi said her participation honors "our martyred leader, on his behalf and on the behalf of all the martyrs."
- Recent years have drawn crowds estimated at more than 20 million, making Arbaeen the largest annual gathering on the planet; the pilgrimage was restricted under Saddam Hussein but has grown significantly since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Iranian pilgrims flood Iraq for first Arbaeen since war
Some stamped on a portrait of US President Donald Trump, others raised their fists or flashed victory signs, as fresh strikes rattled the region, drawing Iraq back into the Middle East war. Amir, a 55-year-old pick-up driver, has been attending the Arbaeen ceremonies in Iraq for years, but said that this time is different. "The difference is that we are at war. Now, the United States is attacking us... yet this crowd that you see has left everyt…
The Iraqi Security Information Center announced that nearly 3.5 million foreign pilgrims have entered Iraq since the beginning of the month of Muharram.
Why Arbaeen – the Shiite Muslim Pilgrimage of Mourning – has a deep Significance that brings Millions to Iraq each Year
By Iqbal Akhtar, Florida International University (The Conversation) – Every year, millions of pilgrims walk from the deserts of southern Iraq to the holy city of Karbala for Arbaeen, one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world. In 2026, pilgrims will converge on Karbala on Aug. 5. Arbaeen falls 40 days after Ashura, which commemorates the killing of Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in 680 C.E. It marks the end of the m…
Why Arbaeen – the Shiite Muslim pilgrimage of mourning – has a deep significance that brings millions to Iraq each year
Pilgrims crowd the Imam Husayn shrine in Karbala, Iraq, during Arbaeen, one of the world's largest annual religious pilgrimages. MASTER/Moment via Getty ImagesEvery year, millions of pilgrims walk from the deserts of southern Iraq to the holy city of Karbala for Arbaeen, one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world. In 2026, pilgrims will converge on Karbala on Aug. 5. Arbaeen falls 40 days after Ashura, which commemorates the killing of H…
Some are trampling on a portrait of US President Donald Trump, others are raising their fists or making the sign of victory, while new strikes continue to shake the region, sinking Iraq back into the shadows of the...
Iraq expects record 22 million pilgrims for Arbaeen
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq is prepared to welcome around 22 million pilgrims for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, including up to 5 million overseas tourists, in what officials believe to be one of the country’s greatest religious gatherings and a significant boost to tourism and the local economy. According to Iraqi official data, well over 22 million people are anticipated to attend the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Karbala, with 4.…
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