What Do Foreign Pilgrims Feel During the Arbaeen Walk?

The Feelings of Foreign Pilgrims During the 50-Mile Arbaeen Walk

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is not just a religious journey—it’s a life-changing human experience. When you ask foreign pilgrims about their feelings during the 50-mile walk from Najaf to Karbala, their answers are filled with love, awe, and inner peace.

For many, Arbaeen is more than a ritual; it’s an opportunity to experience the true meaning of sacrifice, solidarity, and humanity. People from all over the world—Europe, America, Africa, Asia—come together every year to walk this path of devotion.

The most common feeling? Amazement and admiration. Amazement at how millions of people from different languages, colors, and cultures walk side by side in harmony. Admiration for the Iraqi people who dedicate everything—under the blazing sun or cold nights—to serve pilgrims without asking for anything in return.

A French pilgrim once said:

"I never imagined a place where everything is free—even the smiles. There’s no luxury here, no expectation of money—only love, endless love for Hussain."

Physical fatigue during the walk is replaced by an extraordinary spiritual energy. Every few kilometers, you find Mawkib—hospitality tents where Iraqis offer free hot meals, water, tea, a place to rest, even foot massages! For many foreigners, this level of generosity is beyond imagination.

A pilgrim from Brazil shared:

"I thought all the stories about Arbaeen were exaggerated. But when I came, I realized the truth was even bigger than the words. This walk taught me that humanity is still alive."

For some, the Arbaeen walk is a return to the self—a break from the chaos of modern life and a chance to immerse in spirituality. Many cry during the journey, pray, or share conversations with pilgrims from different countries, amazed by the unity they witness.

Another common feeling is deep peace in the middle of a massive crowd. Unlike other global gatherings where crowds can cause stress, here you find smiles, acts of kindness, and a warm sense of brotherhood, creating an atmosphere of love.

And finally, when they reach the shrine of Imam Hussain after three or four days of walking, tears flow. For many, this is not the end of a physical journey but the beginning of a spiritual transformation.

For foreign pilgrims, the Arbaeen walk is an experience no media can truly capture—a living testimony of love, faith, and humanity in the world’s largest peaceful gathering.