Updated 9 January 2013
Around the world, 20th Safar is observed as the day of Arba’een, the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (as), his dear companions and family members which took place in Karbala on 10th Muharram.
Despite the ongoing unrest in various countries in the East, this year, some 19.5 million pilgrims performed Ziyarat-e-Arba’een and walked from Najaf to Karbala for the love of Imam Husayn (as). 1,400 years ago, Imam Husayn (as) also walked the route of Najaf to Karbala to establish justice and fight injustice.
The threat of insurgent attacks has alerted authorities to deploy 35,000 soldiers and policemen to Karbala, including 2,500 policewomen at checkpoints across the city, with aerial surveillance also watching over pilgrims.
Attacks on Shiites in just the past week have left at least 12 people dead, including an explosion along the route from Baghdad to Karbala on Wednesday that killed two pilgrims who were on the traditional walk to the shrine city.
IMPORTANCE OF ZIYARAT-E-ARBA’EEN
To perform the ziyarat of the Ahlul Bayt (as) is in essence the act of speaking with and visiting them. The physical manifestation of the ziyarat of Imam Husayn (as) is actually being present in Karbala to perform the Ziyarat of Arba’een.
In reality, however, this is not possible for every believer. Ahadith tell us that performing the Ziyarat of Imam Husayn (as) far from Karbala would hold the same significance as being in the land of Karbala, as long as the person performing the ziyarat has truly understood the status of the Imam and seeks to emulate him.
Imam Hasan Al-Askari (as) includes the performance of Ziyarat-e-Arba’een as one of the five signs of a believer – along with reciting 51 rakats of salat, reciting ‘Bismillah’ aloud, wearing a ring on one’s right hand, and doing sajda on dust.
By performing the Ziyarat of Arba’een, we pledge that we will continue to follow the path of justice and righteousness; and we will reject injustice and speak up against the oppressors of the time. Fundamentally speaking, we are making a promise to continue to mould our lives according to the teachings of Imam Husayn (as) and the Ahlul Bayt (as).
(Source: www.duas.org)
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
By the Grace of the Almighty, individuals from our communities around the world have had the opportunity to perform Ziyarat-e-Arba’een. The World Federation is inviting these individuals to share their experience with our global community. If you have travelled to Iraq for this wonderful Ziyarat, and have walked from Najaf to Karbala, please send us your experience to communications@world-federation.org. We will then publish your article on our newswire.
For more information, please email communications@world-federation.org