Arbaeen Mourning, the annual commemoration of the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the third Shiite Imam, holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for millions of Muslims, particularly in Iran.
Each year, on the 20th of Safar in the Islamic lunar calendar, a vast wave of pilgrims from Iran joins the Arbaeen Walk, a monumental journey to Karbala, Iraq, to honor Imam Hussain’s sacrifice in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
Historical and Spiritual Significance of Arbaeen Mourning
This pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, draws millions, with Iranians forming a significant portion of the devotees.
Arbaeen Mourning transcends borders, uniting people in a shared expression of faith, resilience, and devotion.
This article explores the significance of Arbaeen Mourning, the scale of Iranian participation in the Arbaeen Walk, its cultural and geopolitical implications, and the unique communal spirit that defines this extraordinary event.
Arbaeen Mourning commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, his family, and companions in Karbala, an event central to Shiite Islam.
The Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussain was killed by the forces of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid I, symbolizes resistance against oppression and a commitment to justice.
The 40th day after his martyrdom, known as Arbaeen, marks the return of the survivors, particularly Imam Hussain’s sister Zainab and his son Imam Zain al-Abidin, to Karbala, where they mourned and spread the message of Hussain’s sacrifice.
For Iranians, Arbaeen Mourning is a deeply spiritual practice, rooted in centuries of Shiite tradition. It is a time to reflect on values of sacrifice, courage, and devotion, drawing parallels between Imam Hussain’s stand and contemporary struggles for justice.
The Arbaeen Walk, which culminates in Karbala at the shrines of Imam Hussain and his brother Abbas, has grown exponentially since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, which previously restricted such gatherings.
Today, Arbaeen Mourning attracts over 20 million pilgrims annually, with Iran contributing millions, making it a powerful expression of collective faith. you can read more about this topic here.
The Scale of Iranian Participation in the Arbaeen Walk
The Arbaeen Walk is a remarkable phenomenon, with pilgrims traveling hundreds of kilometers on foot from cities across Iran, Iraq, and beyond to reach Karbala.
In 2025, an estimated 4 to 5 million Iranians participated, reflecting the deep-rooted devotion to Arbaeen Mourning within Iran’s Shiite majority. Pilgrims depart from cities like Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Ahvaz, crossing the Iran-Iraq border at key points such as Mehran, Chazzabeh, and Shalamcheh.
The Mehran border crossing alone facilitates over 60% of Iranian pilgrims, with infrastructure improvements in recent years easing the flow of millions.
The journey, often spanning 80 kilometers from Najaf to Karbala, is undertaken with minimal possessions, as pilgrims rely on the hospitality of local communities and volunteer groups.
Arbaeen Mourning transforms the route into a vibrant tapestry of devotion, with pilgrims chanting elegies, performing chest-beating rituals (sineh-zani), and sharing stories of Imam Hussain.
For Iranians, the walk is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, embodying the principles of unity and sacrifice central to Arbaeen Mourning.
Arbaeen Mourning is a cultural cornerstone in Iran, shaping art, literature, and communal practices. The tradition of taziyeh, a form of passion play reenacting the events of Karbala, is performed across Iran during Arbaeen, drawing communities together in shared grief and reflection.
Iranian artists, such as the late Master Mahmoud Farshchian, whose painting Noon of Ashura captures the tragedy’s emotional depth, have immortalized the event in visual art.
These cultural expressions reinforce the centrality of Arbaeen Mourning in Iranian identity.
The Arbaeen Walk also fosters a unique sense of community. Along the route, volunteers set up mawkibs (rest stations) offering free food, water, and shelter, often funded by donations from Iranians and Iraqis.
These acts of hospitality, known as khidmat, reflect the spirit of generosity inspired by Imam Hussain’s legacy.
For Iranian pilgrims, participating in Arbaeen Mourning is an opportunity to transcend social and economic divides, as people from all walks of life—students, professionals, and laborers—walk side by side, united by faith.
Geopolitical Implications of Iranian Participation
The massive participation of Iranians in Arbaeen Mourning has significant geopolitical implications, reinforcing Iran’s cultural and religious influence in the region.
The Arbaeen Walk serves as a soft power tool, showcasing Iran’s role as a leader in the Shiite world and strengthening ties with Iraq, where Shiites form the majority.
The pilgrimage fosters solidarity between the two nations, with Iranian pilgrims often expressing gratitude for Iraqi hospitality, which has grown since the post-Saddam era.
However, the scale of Iranian involvement has raised concerns among some regional actors. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel, wary of Iran’s influence, view the Arbaeen Walk as a platform for Tehran to project power and mobilize Shiite communities.
The presence of Iranian pilgrims, often organized through state-backed initiatives, has led to accusations of political interference, though pilgrims emphasize the spiritual nature of Arbaeen Mourning.
Iran’s government has worked to ensure smooth coordination with Iraqi authorities, with agreements facilitating visa-free travel and border management, as seen in 2025 when over 3.8 million Iranians crossed into Iraq.
Challenges and Logistics of the Arbaeen Walk
Organizing the Arbaeen Walk for millions of Iranian pilgrims presents logistical challenges.
The Iranian government, through the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, coordinates transportation, border crossings, and security, while Iraq deploys thousands of troops to protect pilgrims from potential threats, such as remnants of extremist groups.
Despite these efforts, overcrowding at border points like Mehran can lead to delays, and the physical demands of the walk pose health risks, particularly for elderly pilgrims.
In 2025, medical teams treated thousands for heat exhaustion and injuries, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure.
Security remains a concern, given the history of attacks on Shiite pilgrims by groups like ISIS.
While such threats have diminished, the massive influx of pilgrims during Arbaeen Mourning requires robust coordination between Iran and Iraq.
Environmental challenges, such as dust storms and water shortages, also affect the pilgrimage, prompting calls for sustainable practices along the route.
The Global Impact of Arbaeen Mourning
Arbaeen Mourning has transcended its regional roots to become a global phenomenon, with Iranian pilgrims playing a key role in its internationalization.
The walk attracts participants from over 60 countries, including India, Pakistan, Lebanon, and even non-Muslim nations, drawn by the universal message of justice and resistance.
Iranian pilgrims, often multilingual and well-organized, contribute to this global appeal by sharing their experiences through social media, with platforms like X amplifying the pilgrimage’s visibility.
Posts on X in 2025 described Arbaeen Mourning as a “symbol of unity,” highlighting its ability to bridge cultural divides.
The pilgrimage also fosters interfaith dialogue, as Christians, Sunnis, and others join the walk, inspired by Imam Hussain’s stand against tyranny.
Iranian pilgrims, through their participation in Arbaeen Mourning, project a message of inclusivity, countering narratives of sectarianism.
This global resonance has led to comparisons with other major pilgrimages, such as the Hajj, though Arbaeen’s decentralized, volunteer-driven nature sets it apart.
The Role of Women and Youth in Arbaeen Mourning
Women and youth form a significant portion of Iranian pilgrims, challenging stereotypes about gender roles in religious practices.
Iranian women, often leading family groups, participate actively in Arbaeen Mourning, organizing mawkibs and performing rituals alongside men.
Their presence underscores the pilgrimage’s egalitarian spirit, as women like Zainab, a central figure in Karbala’s narrative, inspire resilience and leadership.
Youth engagement is equally vital, with young Iranians using technology to document and share their experiences.
In 2025, Iranian students launched apps to guide pilgrims, offering maps, prayer times, and emergency contacts. This blend of tradition and modernity ensures that Arbaeen Mourning remains relevant to younger generations, sustaining its cultural and spiritual significance.
A Testament to Faith and Unity
Arbaeen Mourning, exemplified by the massive pilgrimage from Iran to Karbala, is a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and resilience.
The Arbaeen Walk, drawing millions of Iranian pilgrims, reflects the deep spiritual connection to Imam Hussain’s legacy, uniting people across social, cultural, and national boundaries.
Despite logistical and geopolitical challenges, the pilgrimage continues to grow, projecting Iran’s cultural influence while fostering global solidarity.
As Iranians join the world in mourning Imam Hussain, Arbaeen Mourning remains a profound expression of devotion, a call for justice, and a celebration of humanity’s shared values…
source: raialkhalij