WHAT IS THE WORLDS LARGEST PEACEFUL GATHERING ALL ABOUT?

Hussain ibn Ali, stood up for social justice, equality, human rights, and against racism, crimes of the political power and much more.

Every year, the world’s largest peaceful gathering takes place in the city of Karbala, Iraq to commemorate the stand Hussain Ibn Ali took. Arbaeen is the 40th day following Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram. 

On the 10th day of Muharram over 1400 years ago Hussain and his family were brutally killed for their refusal to pay allegiance to the tyrannical ruler at the time, and his surviving family members were taken as prisoners and were disrespected in numerous ways. This tragedy and message for justice from Hussain’s stance in Islamic history is commemorated and remembered every year primarily by Shias, but also by other groups of Muslim and non muslims around the world.

On respect for Arbaeen in a yearly tradition, people from all over the world embark on a 50 mile walk from the city of Najaf all the way to Karbala. From children to the elderly, pilgrims make their way through Iraq on a multi-day journey to pay their respects and gather at the shrine of Imam Hussain. Pilgrims carry flags with the name of Hussain and his family, and they stick together and support one another through the journey on foot.

Iraq is often portrayed as a recovering war-torn nation, but despite everything that the country has been through, the Arbaeen walk continues as a strong force of unity, love, and compassion. Iraqis line up along the sides of the road with tents for pilgrims to serve them with food, tea, water, and shelter if they get tired along the way. The hospitality is unmatched; the Iraqis do anything to show their kindness and support to the visitors on the Arbaeen walk. 

By the end of the walk, pilgrims have reached the city of Karbala by the time the day of Arbaeen rolls around. Yearly, the number of pilgrims who embark on this walk increases to upwards of 30 million, and the stories and media from this journey have begun to reach more people. Demonstrated by this yearly, largest world gathering in Karbala on the 40th, the Arbaeen walk is an embodiment of the immense love and unity that stems from the story of Hussain ibn Ali.

The most generous of people is one who gives to those from whom he has no hope of return.

​- Hussain Ibn Ali

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