Dr. Mohammed Hussein Aboud / College of Islamic Sciences – Department of Fiqh and its Principles
There is no doubt that the visit to Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) is one of the highly recommended acts encouraged by the Sharia, as it reflects a noble humanitarian page of sacrifice, redemption, and the great gift of martyrdom and self-dissolution in the essence of Allah. It is also a live, practical manifestation of defending the meanings of reform, freedom, and justice, embodying the most magnificent human epics in defense of rights and truth. It can be said that the Arbaeen pilgrimage reveals a form of divine gratitude for Imam Hussein, as a reward for his artistry in giving and generosity to Allah, the Exalted, and humanity.
From here, the secret behind the enduring ritual of the blessed pilgrimage becomes clear, as it remains rooted in the hearts of people who strive to observe it through the ages, despite the grave challenges and obstacles that await the pilgrims at the sacred shrine of the Master of Martyrs (peace be upon him). The astonishment and wonder fade when we witness the human tide heading from the corners of the earth toward the sacred shrine, coming from various nationalities and civilizations, renewing their allegiance to the Master of Martyrs (peace be upon him).
It is worth noting that the geographical scope of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, stretching from the farthest reaches of Basra to Karbala, and the temporal scope represented by the days of the blessed pilgrimage, from the first of Safar to the twentieth, represent in their reality — according to the researcher’s estimation — a miniature model or a small version, if you will, of the state of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance). This is in light of the following points:
First – The quality of security and safety that the atmosphere of the pilgrimage enjoys, both in terms of time and place, which positively reflects on the overall personality of the pilgrim, in terms of their psychological and physical well-being. It grants them peace of mind and happiness that cannot be found in other environments.
Second – The social solidarity that achieves a very high level of self-sufficiency for each individual among the pilgrims. It is unimaginable for the pilgrims, whether coming from within Iraq or from abroad, to visit the holy shrine without having prepared and brought enough funds for the pilgrimage and additional expenses to cover the costs of lodging, food, travel, and other necessities. However, as soon as they enter the domain of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, they become completely self-sufficient from all these expenses, finding the highest quality services, including lodging, food, medicine, and everything they could possibly need, even things they never imagined. The free and voluntary services offered to the pilgrims are not limited to mere provision; the providers of these services strive and appeal for their services to be accepted. As a result, we see them competing to offer these services, so much so that the pilgrim feels they are dealing with a type of human beings who are closer to angels than to humanity. This, given the massive numbers of pilgrims that challenge the capacity of even the largest and wealthiest countries’ budgets.
Third – The entire congregation of pilgrims is absorbed in one goal: visiting the sacred shrine and honoring the opportunity to partake in the nectar of the blessed Hussaini revolution. In this process, all differences are erased, all efforts and energies are united, and all forms of racial, gender, national, and sectarian discrimination dissolve. This is something that cannot be found in any ideology or civilization, past or present.
In reality, these distinguished images are a living translation and a miniature example of the state of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), which will enjoy these blessings, extending across the entire world, from its farthest reaches to its farthest.
