Arbaeen

Today, millions of Muslims around the world commemorate Arbaeen — the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala (680 CE). Hussein was killed along with his companions by the army of Umayyad Caliph Yazid after refusing to pledge allegiance to him, believing Yazid’s rule to be unjust and contrary to the principles of Islam.
Arbaeen marks the end of the 40-day mourning period after Ashura and symbolizes loyalty to Hussein’s ideals of justice, honor, and resistance against tyranny.

In modern times, Iraq — particularly the city of Karbala — hosts the world’s largest walking pilgrimage: millions of believers from across the globe travel dozens or even hundreds of kilometers on foot to reach the shrine of Imam Hussein. Along the way, pilgrims are provided with free food, water, and accommodation. Arbaeen annually gathers more people than the Hajj in Mecca and is considered a symbol of Muslim unity and solidarity.