It was a winter morning. I opened my eyes to the joy of winter vacations, and it was also the month of Muharram. The television was on in the living room, broadcasting pilgrims on Hadi TV Channel. I watched them walking, weeping out of love, as if they were longing for someone, waiting to catch a glimpse of their beloved. They carried black, red, and yellow flags inscribed in Arabic with Labbaik Ya Hussain (AS) and Labbaik Ya Abbas (AS).
Watching those scenes filled me with emotion. At that very moment, I made up my mind that I, too, would one day visit the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS), no matter what. I completed my MBBS, but throughout those years, my heart continued to long for Karbala. Finally, Allah answered my prayers. In the year 2023, I was blessed to receive my visa for my first visit to Karbala.
Whenever I recall my visit to Karbala, I find it difficult to put my feelings into words. It remains the most beautiful experience of my life. I can never forget that day, that flight, or the moment I stepped onto the sacred land of Karbala. It felt nothing short of magical. When I entered the shrine, my eyes were blessed with the pure and sacred sight of the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS).
Every year, my heart continues to call me back to Karbala, especially during Arbaeen. Every year, millions of people from across the world gather in the holy city of Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen, one of the largest annual religious gatherings on earth. In 2025 alone, over 21.1 million pilgrims visited Karbala for Arbaeen, reflecting the enduring love and devotion towards Imam Hussain (AS)
What is Arbaeen ?
Arbaeen is the annual day of commemoration for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) who was mercilessly killed along with his family on the day of Ashura the 10th of Muharram in the year 680 AD. Arbaeen is the 40th day after Ahura and represents the culmination of the annual mourning period. This falls on the 20th of Safar in the Islamic Calendar.
Arbaeen literally means 40. It is reported that the first person perform Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as) on the 40th day was Jabir ibn Abd Allah al Ansari, a close companion of the Prophet (pbuh) and Imam Ali (as).Since that first pilgrimage , the believers have continued this tradition which grew year after year.
Some reports say that remaining members of Imam Hussain (as) family also returned to Karbala on this day visited the graves of Imam Hussain (as) and other martyrs of Karbala. Imam al Askari (as) is reported to have said : The signs of a believer are five: Performing 51 rak’ahs of Prayer daily (including the recommended Prayers). Wearing a ring on the right hand. Placing the forehead on the earth during sujood (Prostration) , Reciting Bismillah al Rahman al Rahim aloud in Prayer, Performing Ziyarah (of Imam al-Hussain ) on the day of Arbaeen , ( Wasail al Shifa).
Imam As-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said: Allah (swt) records a thousand good deeds and erases a thousand sins for every step taken by one who performs the Ziyarah of Imam Al-Hussain (as) on foot. Arbaeen has become the largest gathering. Forty days after the tradegy of Karbala , the world witnesses something extraordinary. Millions of people-men and women , old and young from all the world come together , walking for miles and miles to reach one destination : the shrine of Imam Hussain (as). They walk out of Love, out of gratitude . Out of loyalty to man who gave everything , his family , his companions , his life , so that the message of Islam would survive. Arbaeen is about walking a Path-the path of Imam Hussain (as). The Path of truth, when the world embraces Lies. The Path of Justice when the world is silent. The Path of Purity when society normalises sin. Imam Hussain (as) gave his life and the lives of sons, brothers, friends so we could live with dignity, Purpose and guidance.
Arbaeen is a journey of the heart, where millions of pilgrims reflect on the noble qualities embodied by the martyrs of Karbala courage, selflessness, patience, sacrifice, and unwavering steadfastness on the path of Almighty Allah. It is a journey that inspires believers to carry these values into their own lives and stand firmly for truth and justice.
Why the Walk?
Every year, millions of pilgrims begin their journey from Najaf and other parts of Iraq, while many others travel from Iran and countries across the world, days before Arbaeen, to walk towards the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS) in Karbala. This walk is a journey of struggle, dedication, devotion, and sacrifice. In every step, there is a willingness to give, to endure hardship, and to grow spiritually.
Pilgrims embrace the challenges of the journey because it reflects their love for Imam Hussain (as). By walking long distances, they willingly step out of their comfort zones, teaching themselves patience, resilience, humility, and gratitude. It is a powerful reminder that true devotion often requires sacrifice.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Arbaeen walk is its unity. People of every nationality, race, age group, and even different faiths walk together on the same path with a shared purpose. Some walk for a few days, while others spend weeks or even months travelling thousands of miles, all for one destination to pay their respects to Imam Hussain (AS) on the 40th day after his martyrdom and to renew their commitment to his timeless message of truth, justice, and sacrifice.
The Heart of Arbaeen: Iraqi Hospitality
The shrine of Imam Hussain (AS), located in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, becomes the heart of one of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages during Arbaeen. Long before the pilgrims arrive, the people of Iraq begin preparing to welcome them. Many Mowakib (service stations for pilgrims) spend months and in many cases, an entire year planning and gathering resources to provide the best possible service to the lovers of Imam Hussain (AS).
It is ordinary Iraqi people who selflessly provide the countless services required by pilgrims along the journey, including food, water, tea, accommodation, medical assistance, and places to rest through these Mowakib. Most of these volunteers are not wealthy. Yet, they save their money and dedicate their time and resources so that every pilgrim can be served free of charge.
They do this with remarkable warmth, generosity, and enthusiasm, all born from their deep love for Imam Hussain (AS). Throughout the days of Arbaeen, they keep their homes open, welcoming pilgrims with kindness, food, and heartfelt hospitality. For them, serving the guests of Imam Hussain (AS) is not a burden but a privilege and an act of devotion. Their generosity reflects the timeless values of Karbala selflessness, compassion, and sacrifice making every pilgrim feel at home, regardless of where they have come from.
A Small Honour for Imam Hussain (AS)
One of the most beautiful sights in Karbala during Arbaeen is the thousands of Mokibs (resting places for pilgrims) set up along the routes to welcome visitors. These Mokibs offer food, tea, water, and a place to rest, serving millions of pilgrims with nothing but love for Imam Hussain (AS).
In 2023, my sister, Dr. Adma, and my brother-in-law, Kumail Joo, had a heartfelt idea. They wondered, “Why not establish a Kashmiri Mokib for Kashmiri pilgrims?” The thought was simple to make pilgrims from Kashmir feel at home by serving them traditional Kashmiri noon chai and Kashmiri kulcha. More than that, it was our humble way of earning blessings and expressing our love for our beloved Imam Hussain (AS).That is how the journey of the Kashmiri Mokib began.
Today, I am in Karbala, serving at the Kashmiri Mokib alongside my family, friends, and volunteers, who have wholeheartedly supported this initiative from the very beginning. We serve noon chai, meals, and refreshments not only to Kashmiris but to pilgrims from every part of the world. Watching tired pilgrims smile after a warm cup of tea or a simple meal is a feeling that cannot be described in words. It reminds me that love for Imam Hussain (AS) has the power to unite hearts beyond all boundaries.
Among the millions of Arbaeen pilgrims in Karbala, hearing Kashmiri marsiya being recited at the Kashmiri Mokib is truly a special moment. The familiar words echoed through the sacred land, bringing a sense of home to Kashmiri zawars and making their spiritual journey even more meaningful.
Our Mokib is only a small gesture of love and devotion for Imam Hussain (AS). We know that our service is tiny compared to the immense sacrifice he made, yet every act done in his name carries immense blessings. Serving the pilgrims is an honour and one of the greatest forms of worship.
The love of Imam Hussain (AS) is a love that brings us closer to Almighty Allah. It teaches us compassion, patience, humility, and selfless service. Above all, it shows us the right path the path of truth, guidance, justice, and standing firmly against every form of oppression. Every step taken and every act performed in the name of Imam Hussain (AS) is a blessing, reminding us that his timeless message continues to inspire millions across the world.
