RNA – Speaking to reporters, Ayatollah Ali-Reza Arafi referred to the “epic” Arbaeen pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala, saying it is one of most unique events in divine and human history and society.
According to the latest reports, there are more than 27 million pilgrims and lovers of the Ahlul-Bayt participating in the pilgrimage, most of whom have walked for several days on foot to reach Karbala.
Arbaeen is commemorated forty days after the tragedy of Ashura, on which Imam Husayn, 72 of his companions and family were slaughtered in desert of Karbala by the cruel tyrant and caliph Yazid, and his army of 30,000 in 680 CE.
Ayatollah Arafi later explained that the participation of millions of people in this amazing social event portrays the greatness of the tragedy of Ashura, and the lasting message of the ‘Master of the Martyrs.’
“Despite the unparalleled oppression that Imam Husayn suffered, this event is so deep that after centuries it is still shining strong,” he said.
Ayatollah Arafi added that the pilgrimage shows that the school of Ashura is still alive and is inspiring millions of people today and that the fact that millions of people are walking toward the Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn shows that the event is not just a historical event for those in the past.
His Eminence pointed that this grand and epic event is a manifestation of the faith, wisdom, love and knowledge of the school of Ahlul-Bayt and the inspirational event of Ashura.
The Friday prayer leader of Qom explained that this “international event for the Islamic ummah” was not only attended by Sunni Muslims but by various non-Muslims religious groups as well, saying that the presence of various ethnic groups, religions and nationalities delivers an universal message to the world in regard to the meaning of this religious gathering.
He said that the participation of Sunnis and other religious groups in the Arbaeen pilgrimage is a show of opposition to the Takfiri movement, which operates under the banner of the House of Saud and with the support of the enemies of Islam in an attempt to divide religions.
“Due to the grace of God, they will not succeed and the Islamic ummah can find unity and solidarity with each other,” he said.
Ayatollah Arafi stressed that the millions of pilgrims are delivering a “decisive” message to Takfiri terrorist groups which states that awareness among the Islamic ummah can combat and destroy their ideology and that if necessary, the Islamic ummah will stand together and combat the enemies of Islam.
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