Extreme heat as pilgrims commemorate Arbaeen - the world's largest annual peaceful gathering

ITV News

2 days ago

By ITV News Producer Zahra Manji
Every year, millions of Shia Muslims - alongside some of other faiths from around the globe - make the journey to Iraq to participate in what makes up the world's largest annual peaceful gathering, known as Arbaeen.
The number of pilgrims has been steadily rising to at least 22 million. In comparison, almost 2 million pilgrims participated in the Hajj to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
This year, temperatures have reached extreme heights topping 50C, with pilgrims being cooled down with sprayed water during their walk to Karbala before they visiting the holy shrines.
Why do people commemorate Arbaeen?
Literally meaning '40' in Arabic, the Day of Arbaeen marks 40 days after the Day of Ashura, the day Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed, and his family were martyred in what is now the city of Karbala, Iraq.
Hussain and his family refused to submit to the oppressive regime at the time.
Pilgrims believe Hussain's message to be a timeless one and just as those who lived in the seventh century were inspired by their stand, so are the millions today who pay homage to Hussain and mourn his death.
It is a spiritual experience for pilgrims, and is made even more special by the connections they form with the city's hosts as Iraqi locals open their homes and hearts to visitors.
The ancient city of Karbala transforms during the period, with friends, families and elders alike united under red, green and black banners, while dressed in 'mourning' black.
What takes place during the pilgrimage?
A walk of 80km takes place from the city of Najaf to Karbala, where pilgrims of all ages, nationalities and physical abilities travel between the shrines of the Prophet's son in law Imam Ali and the Prophet's grandson Hussain.
They often complete the walk tired and hungry but spiritually revived with the shared love for common humanity . It is believed that with every step one's sins are being erased.
Along the route, local and international organisations set up stations known as mawkibs, laying out free water, food, sweet tea and shelter for those who need to rest, and Iraqi officials block off hundreds of miles of road to ensure the safety of those taking part.
Every year, Arbaeen is marked with processions and religious services at Shia Muslim mosques across the world to remember the story of Prophet Muhammed's grandson, his family and his companions.
Dr Ammar Nakshawani, director of the Prophet Muhammad Institute for Islamic Studies, has been to Iraq during Arbaeen for the last 16 years.
He told ITV News: "It really is a spiritual journey and a wonderful atmosphere".
Dr Nakshawani said Imam Hussain is "a descendant of Abraham and therefore resonates with many non-Muslims too".
Professor in theology, Dr Chris Hewer, experienced his first Arbaeen in Karbala last year. "We had in these 25 million people not just Muslims, but Christians, Jews, Hindus and those of no faith at all".
Why is so little know about Arbaeen?
Only 10-15% of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims are Shia and therefore Arbaeen is not widely known.
Professor in Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford, Justin Jones, said "The Hajj is better known as it is obligatory on all Muslims, whereas Shia traditions are less well known because popular knowledge is shaped much more by Sunni Islam".
He said the pilgrimage has been previously restricted, especially under Saddam Hussein's rule in Iraq when "the Arbaeen pilgrimage was banned".
Dr Nakshawani adds: "Anyone who was seen going to Karbala during Saddam Hussain's brutal regime was executed. In a personal case, my own uncle.
"So there was that breathing space that emerged in 2003, after the fall of the regime. Everyone could finally go back to Karbala".