Arbain Pilgrimage: Arbain Pilgrimage is the second largest religious gathering in the world after Mecca-Medina

Arbain Pilgrimage, Religious pilgrimages have special significance for people of all religions. There are many special pilgrimage sites for Muslims all over the world. In Islam, Mecca and Medina are considered the holiest pilgrimage sites.

After Mecca-Medina, the Arbaeen pilgrimage is the second largest religious gathering in the world. Every year millions of Muslim pilgrims participate in it. Like Mecca-Medina, the Arbaeen pilgrimage is of great importance for Muslims all over the world.

But meanwhile, a road accident has happened in Iran, in which a bus of Pakistani pilgrims going to Karbala overturned in Iran and many pilgrims died in it. This tragic accident happened late on Tuesday night. According to reports, the bus was going to Iraq from Larkana in Pakistan carrying pilgrims.

It is being told that the pilgrims were going to Karbala for Arbaeen. Actually every year Shia pilgrims from Pakistan go to Karbala. Let us know why Arbaeen pilgrimage is special for Muslim pilgrims and what is its importance.

What is Arbain Pilgrimage?

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is held in Karbala, Iraq at the end of the mourning period of 40 days after Ashura (forty days after the tenth of Muharram). The pilgrimage commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the third Shia Muslim Imam, in 61 AH (680 AD). In Islamic belief, Hussein ibn Ali is considered a symbol of freedom, compassion and justice across all cultural boundaries.

Every year pilgrims visit Karbala on the 40th day of his martyrdom or Arbaeen. It was in Karbala that Hussein and his companions were betrayed by their own people who invited them to Kufa in Iraq. Hussein was later martyred in the Battle of Karbala.

How is the Arbaeen pilgrimage performed

The Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala lasts for 20 days. All Shia cities, towns and villages are emptied for this pilgrimage. Shia Muslims come together in an organised manner for this long pilgrimage on foot. That is why it is called the world’s largest religious gathering.

Difference between Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala and Hajj pilgrimage

Usually people know the pilgrimage of Muslims only as Hajj Yatra. But the pilgrimage to Karbala is quite different from the Hajj Yatra. It is said in Islam that it is mandatory for every Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in his lifetime. But the pilgrimage to Karbala is not mandatory. Rather, this pilgrimage is necessary only for those who want to do it out of their devotion and are able to bear its expenses.

However, the cost of Arbaeen walk or pilgrimage is less than Haj pilgrimage. In such a situation, those Muslim pilgrims who are not able to bear the high expenses of Haj pilgrimage, also reach for Karbala pilgrimage.

Also read: This Muslim country is eager to fight with Israel and has an ancient Hindu temple