Why Arbaeen Is Greater Than the Olympics—Yet Hardly Talked About


When we look at today’s world, we see the colorful scenes of global media zooming in on every glamorous event: major sports tournaments, dazzling festivals, and carnivals that fill the streets of Europe and America. The Olympics, the World Cup, or massive music festivals—all become a stage to display glory, excitement, and national pride. Billions of dollars are spent, major media outlets broadcast months in advance, and millions tune in to watch every second unfold.


Yet, in the same world, there is an event that takes place every year—an event so unique and powerful that no other gathering can match its scale or its soul: the Arbaeen pilgrimage. This is not just an event; it is a movement of faith, humanity, and love that brings together tens of millions of people from across the globe. Despite being the largest peaceful gathering on Earth, it receives only a fraction of the attention given to the Olympics or global carnivals. Why?


Arbaeen: A March of Faith, Not a Parade of Power


At the Olympics, flags rise to celebrate the power and pride of nations. But in Arbaeen, flags rise as a symbol of justice, freedom, and humanity. The Olympics is about competition—winners and losers, medals of gold and silver. Arbaeen is about compassion, generosity, and unity. Instead of gold medals, there is hot bread and sweet tea freely offered to millions of pilgrims.


If 10,000 athletes compete in the Olympics, the media calls it the “world’s greatest gathering.” But Arbaeen brings 20 million or more people from over 50 countries to one path—a shared journey of love and devotion. People walk hundreds of kilometers, not for fame or recognition, but to keep a promise to a living truth: the eternal stand of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) against tyranny.


Why Is It Hardly Covered?


Because Arbaeen has no sponsors, no billion-dollar advertisements, and no glamorous broadcasting rights. It is not designed for cameras—it is born in the hearts of believers. This movement is not about profit; it is about principle. And that is why mainstream media remains silent: Arbaeen doesn’t fit the narrative of consumer-driven entertainment.


But perhaps this silence is part of its beauty. Everyone who walks this path comes not for the spotlight but for a spiritual calling—away from cameras, away from applause, driven only by love and loyalty.


Comparing Arbaeen to Global Carnivals


Take the world’s biggest carnivals, like Rio de Janeiro or Venice. They attract a few million people for a few days of music, colors, and street celebrations. When it’s over, life returns to normal. It’s a brief escape, a moment of joy—then forgotten.


Arbaeen, in contrast, is a journey of transformation. It is a living classroom of humanity, sacrifice, and empathy. On this path, not only feet move forward, but hearts are awakened. Every step is an act of devotion; every shared meal, a lesson in selflessness. Here, no one asks, “Where are you from?” Everyone is known by one name: Zawwar al-Hussain—a pilgrim of Hussein.


Arbaeen: The Olympics of Love


If the Olympics measure physical strength, Arbaeen measures the strength of faith. In this spiritual marathon, no one races to outdo the other—everyone strives to serve and support. The medals here are not gold or silver, but tears of longing and smiles of generosity.


Arbaeen is not just an annual ritual; it is a living, breathing movement. It transcends borders, languages, and colors, uniting humanity in the name of justice and love. Media outlets may ignore it, but the truth of Arbaeen doesn’t need a camera—it lives in every heart that walks this sacred path.