The Arbaeen gathering in Iraq’s holy city of Karbala is known as the largest annual peaceful assembly of people in the world and in human history. The day of Arbaeen marks forty days after the day of Ashura, a day where millions of people pay tribute to the selfless sacrifices of Hussain ibn Ali. Hussain was a 7th-century revolutionary and spiritual leader who preached the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He stood for love, kindness, piety, and justice for people of all faiths and social classes. This eventually led him and a small group of sincere followers to stand against the corrupt aristocracy of the time. Hussain and his companions all bravely sacrificed their lives. Their courage was never forgotten and continues to inspire millions today.
Today a magnificent shrine stands over Hussain’s grave with tens of millions visiting it on the day of Arbaeen alone. Many make the journey by foot and see each step as a means of closer spiritual proximity to their beloved inspiration: Hussain.