By Press TV Website Staff
It’s again that time of the year when millions of people, irrespective of color, caste and creed, march in unison from the holy city of Najaf to the holy city of Karbala in Iraq.
Popularly known as the ‘Arabeen Walk’, it is the annual commemoration of the 40th day since the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (AS) and his companions in the desert plains of Karbala in 61 AH.
Every year, in the days leading up to Arbaeen, millions of people undertake the “journey of love” from Najaf to Karbala – around 80 kilometers – braving simmering heat and other challenges.
Those who embark on this spiritual journey say it’s part of the effort to reaffirm the pledge to the principles that were exemplified by the martyrs of Karbala – 'until death no humiliation'.
Along the way, people can be seen carrying the flags of their respective countries as well as posters, placards and banners extending their support and allegiance to the oppressed people worldwide.
Iraqis, known for their exemplary hospitality, open their homes and hearts to these esteemed guests from different countries and go out of their way to serve the pilgrims.
In this year’s Arbaeen walk, the main theme is Gaza as the Israeli-American genocidal war against Palestinians in the besieged territory has already claimed more than 40,000 lives, mostly children.
Pilgrims walking from Najaf to Karbala this year have come out fully in support of their brethren in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, calling for an end to the genocidal attacks and the military occupation.
There are thousands of makeshift stalls dotting the road from Najaf to Karbala featuring Palestine-centric programs to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Notably, both Shias and Sunnis are taking part in this walk, demonstrating the spirit of unity that the founder of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini deemed essential for the liberation of Palestine.
One of the pictures from this year’s Arbaeen was that of Shias and Sunnis praying together along the way, which was circulated widely on social media platforms.
Here is what people are saying about Gaza during this year’s Arbaeen:
The Arbaeen Walk commemorates the 40th day after the martyrdom of Hussain, who stood against oppression.This year, amidst the ongoing ge.nocide,we will stand united to amplify the voices of the oppressed in Gaza. #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/FSgBB4IYc4
— Professor Muhammad Shojaee (@MuhammadShojaee) August 13, 2024
We came to be the voice of the oppressed people of Gaza in Arbaeen Hosseini
— maryam shahoseini (@shahoseini1361) August 22, 2024
لبیک_یا_حسین 🇮🇷🇵🇸🏴#FREEGAZA pic.twitter.com/DbVXp6gZLV
💔 Israel bombs, Israel kills. The world watches, hearts heavy. We need humanity to rise again, to find the compassion that's missing.
— fnz (@fatimahfnz) August 11, 2024
Maybe it's in places like the Arbaeen Walk, where people from all backgrounds walk together, remembering what it means to be human. #Gaza pic.twitter.com/dipNdxUzOf
This is #Arbaeen walk where millions of people walk towards Karbala
— Soureh 🇮🇷🇵🇸 (@Soureh_design2) August 20, 2024
This is the Tehran universities student group 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸
pic.twitter.com/VSJ40Df0Sq
Those who follow the path of Arbaeen today are the true supporters of the people of Gaza.#Arbaeen2024#زياره_الاربعين pic.twitter.com/Nj70AgvhyN
— 🍭Neda akhavan alavi 🍭 (@neda_akhavan) August 21, 2024
#Arbaeen this year: all eyes on #Gaza and #Palestine
— Wesam Bahrani (@wesambahrani) August 20, 2024
Footage emerging from the largest annual pilgrimage in the world from Najaf to Karbala pic.twitter.com/PjrVsIS3FK
Palestinian Imam leads Evening prayers during Arbaeen walk at the Palestinian camp “Nida-al-Aqsa (The call of Al-Aqsa) on the way towards karbala, iraq . Palestinians including people from gaza are serving pilgrims who are making their way towards karbala.#Arbaeen2024 #karbala pic.twitter.com/4bPK8jZA2B
— Syed Shahriyar (@shahriyarsyed1) August 24, 2024
If you have lost your faith in humanity after seeing what is happening in #Gaza, take a look at the Arbaeen walk to restore some of that faith back. #زيارة_الاربعين #Arbaeen2024 pic.twitter.com/zRUXqLhWm7
— Adam (@Adam11012011) August 21, 2024
If the Arbaeen procession strengthens the culture of defending the oppressed and standing against oppressors in the society, one of the important goals of the Ashura Revolution of Imam Hussein (AS) has been achieved.https://t.co/7jNi4J8D7q#WhoIsImamMahdi#Arbaeen2024#Gaza pic.twitter.com/f04DnNLwi7
— M. Gholami 🇮🇷 (@Gholami791) August 23, 2024
Those who are on the #Arbaeen2024 walking route; They were saddened by the sufferings of the people of Gaza and wished that Palestine would win with the appearance of #ThePromisedSaviour and that child-killing Israel would be destroyed.#Gaza https://t.co/NF89zlE2VA pic.twitter.com/Hvl9nwwJcn
— Afra (@Afra82298666) August 20, 2024
Pilgrims welcome a young man from #Gaza during the #Arbaeenwalk pic.twitter.com/Rf8shw7lcM
— Negin🌷 (@negin_m1358) August 20, 2024
In #Arbaeen2024 walk, you can see many little kids who endure the heat to perfume others.
— Zn Ebrahimi (@zn_ebrahimi) August 22, 2024
I wish to see such scenes in Palestine while people go to Masjid AlAqsa to say prayer.https://t.co/udoTo7VkAJ#WhoIsImamMahdi#Gaza pic.twitter.com/5sIBUYcsRA
🇵🇸NEVER FORGET PALESTINE.
— Athena (@Athena26867439) August 23, 2024
🔻NEVER FORGIVE THE OPPRESSORS.
NEVER STOP SPEAKING THE TRUTH.
📍This is the Arbaeen Walk, the gathering of millions of the world's peace seekers.#Arbaeen2024 | #ThePromisedSaviour
➛ https://t.co/sSbm5ZHY5B pic.twitter.com/tIAsjIri4k
💔While Zionists deprive Palestinians of water, People in Arbaeen walk give each other water in remembrance of Imam Hussain's thirst in Karbala
— tara (@tara_staar) August 21, 2024
⁉️Who is Yazid of our time? #زياره_الاربعين#Arbaeen2024 pic.twitter.com/p3Qpodmutj
Arbaeen and Gaza are two intertwined poles that are the basis for the appearance of the promised saviour.#WhoIsImamMahdi#Arbaeen2024#الضاحية_الجنوبية https://t.co/tMxcB6gIVN pic.twitter.com/0eQnqO14K8
— $@n@z (@313sweden) August 22, 2024
Dear Ruqya, after they kicked you out of your home, they killed father and your brothers, and set fire to your tents. Today, Yazidis are busy in Gaza too.https://t.co/uGFopxXurz#WhoIsImamMahdi#Arbaeen2024 https://t.co/nxpOyYyske pic.twitter.com/W9dZTG8A3a
— رُزا_رفیعی (@RafieyRosa) August 19, 2024
All the people who participate in this walk want world peace and justice 🌱
— زهرا..قاسمی 🇮🇷 (@zahra_ghasemi_) August 21, 2024
This is the reason why this year they are present in this walk with the flag of Palestine and the slogan of the freedom of Palestine🇵🇸
They are unique👌💯#Arbaeen2024#زياره_الاربعين pic.twitter.com/DNgTNXEcwU