“Arbaeen” pilgrimage holds special importance among Muslims around the world. In Iraq, which was scared of the terror of ISIS till a few years ago, one of the biggest religious pilgrimages in the world is being organized for “Arbaeen”. “Arbaeen” is an Arabic word, which means forty. It is called Chehlum. Chehlum is celebrated on the 40th day of the martyrdom of the martyrs of Karbala.

Why is this religious pilgrimage organized?

This pilgrimage is organized in memory of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, who was martyred in the most famous battle of Karbala recorded in the history of Islam. Imam Hussain was martyred in the battle of Karbala on 10th Muharram as per Islamic calendar and on the 40th day after 10th Muharram, crores of people from all over the world reach Karbala by joining this pilgrimage on foot and mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. This is called “Arbaeen”. The biggest gathering of Shia Muslims takes place in this pilgrimage. For “Arbaeen”, this pilgrimage starts from the city of Najaf in Iraq and reaches the place in the city of Karbala, about 90 kilometers away, where the Roza Murabak (mazaar) of Imam Hussain is present.

Two crore people expected to participate

According to an estimate, the number of pilgrims is increasing with the passing years in this pilgrimage. According to the Iraq government, this year more than 2 crore people are expected to participate in this pilgrimage on foot. Pilgrims from all over the world come in this pilgrimage. People from Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, India, Kuwait, Qatar, Africa and Europe also participate in large numbers. The spirit of people to walk even in the scorching desert of Iraq and the body burning heat is worth seeing.

Big events are organized in Iraq during the pilgrimage

Big events have been organized in Iraq for the last several years for the 90 km long pilgrimage from Najaf to Karbala. People from different countries set up camps for the pilgrims walking on foot. All arrangements from food and drink to sleeping are made in these camps. People from many cities of India also participate in this event and serve the pilgrims by setting up camps. During the time of Iraq’s ruler Saddam Hussain, this religious pilgrimage on foot could not be carried out publicly. However, after the end of Saddam Hussain’s rule, this pilgrimage has been going on continuously since 2004. Later, ISIS also tried to influence this pilgrimage, but failed.