Arbaeen Pilgrimage: The World’s Largest Peaceful Gathering


1. Introduction


Arbaeen (Arabic: "forty") marks the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE (61 AH). Today, Arbaeen is recognized as the largest annual peaceful gathering in the world, attracting between 15 and over 22 million participants every year 

2. Meaning of “Arbaeen” and Historical Origins

Literal Meaning: “Forty,” referring to the completion of a 40-day mourning period. In Islamic tradition, a forty-day mourning cycle is customary to honor the deceased. Specifically, Arbaeen commemorates Imam Hussain and his companions 

Historical Roots: The first recorded visitor of Arbaeen was Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, who visited Karbala on the fortieth day after Hussain’s martyrdom. This tradition was later documented in works such as those by Ibn Tawus 

3. Arbaeen in the Islamic Calendar

The pilgrimage takes place every year on 20th of Safar (the second Islamic lunar month), exactly 40 days after Ashura, the day of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom 

Since it follows the lunar calendar, its Gregorian date changes annually (for instance, in 2024, it occurred in late August) 

4. Routes and Ritual Practices

4.1 The Main Route: Najaf to Karbala

The most popular route is approximately 80 km (50 miles) long. Pilgrims begin from Najaf—where Imam Ali, Hussain’s father, is buried—and walk to Karbala, usually taking about three days 

4.2 Longer Routes

Some pilgrims start from cities like Basra (500 km) or even Mashhad, Iran (over 2,600 km). Many walk hundreds or even thousands of kilometers out of devotion 

4.3 Volunteer Services

Along the routes, thousands of Mawkebs (hospitality stations) provide free meals, cold water, medical care, and resting facilities. In recent years, more than 7,000 such stations have been reported 

5. Crowd Size

5.1 Growth After 2003

After the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, restrictions were lifted. Attendance skyrocketed from around 2 million in 2003 to over 20 million in 2014, and reached more than 22 million in 2023 

5.2 Current Figures

Reports indicate between 21 and 22 million pilgrims at peak. In 2023, the record reached 22.19 million

This makes Arbaeen larger than many global religious events, including the Kumbh Mela (held every few years), establishing it as the largest annual peaceful gathering worldwide

6. Spiritual Purpose and Philosophy

Loyalty to Imam Hussain’s Values: Participants reaffirm Hussain’s message of justice, truth, and resistance against oppression—a universal human ideal 

A Protest Against Injustice: The pilgrimage symbolizes defiance against tyranny and corruption, echoing the cause of Karbala 

Unity and Brotherhood: Millions of Shi’a Muslims and even non-Muslims attend, inspired by the humanitarian values of Imam Hussain

7. Hospitality and Social Services

Volunteers provide free food, water, medical aid, dental care, and accommodation—all funded through charity and vows, without any charge 

Some estimates mention hundreds of millions of meals distributed during the pilgrimage, with figures exceeding 600 million servings in recent years 

Hospitality reflects a profound sense of solidarity and love—families even open their homes to accommodate pilgrim

8. Security, Challenges, and Management

Threats

In past years, terrorist groups like ISIS targeted Arbaeen with bombings and attacks, killing dozens 

Protective Measures

Iraqi security forces—including the army, police, and Popular Mobilization Units—deploy heavily to safeguard pilgrims. Roads are secured, and checkpoints are established 

Perseverance

Despite extreme heat (sometimes exceeding 48°C), overcrowding, and security threats, millions continue the journey, supported by volunteers offering cold water and essential supplies 

9. Interfaith Participation

Although rooted in Shi’a tradition, Arbaeen attracts followers of various sects and religions who admire Imam Hussain’s universal message of justice, dignity, and humanity.