RNA – Speaking during a meeting with two organizations managing mawkibs [mourning organizations] for the upcoming Arba’in pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq, Hujjat al-Islam Abdolkarim Bahjatpour referred to the lofty status of Arba’in pilgrimage, stated, “One of the greatest manifestations of the religious presence of the people is the magnificent Arba’in pilgrimage and the enemies have repeatedly tried to prevent this movement and phenomenon but have never succeeded and have failed.”
The director of the Women’s Islamic Seminaries of Iran added that the culture of Imam al-Husayn can change views and perspectives and eliminate ignorance. Imam al-Husayn changes the elements of the personality of the people in the society and makes these individuals saviours of their country and society.”
He said, “Our biggest concern in the days of Arba’in is that all the people and pilgrims are completely in line with Imam al-Husayn and the presence of both female and male missionaries in the mawkibs means that Islamic Iran gives much consideration to this lofty peak.”
Hujjat al-Islam Bahjatpour continued, “During the Hajj pilgrimage, about three million Muslims from all over the world are present in Makkah and we have always regretted not using this huge capacity and opportunity but the Arba’in pilgrimage and Imam al-Husayn have given us a great opportunity and capacity and we must use this great opportunity and capacity as best as possible to convey the culture and message of Ashura.”
The renowned teacher in the Islamic Seminary of Qom said, “One of the important issues that we must give attention to is that we must not weaken the culture of providing for guests and it’s not such that providing for guests is of little importance. Although, the message and culture of Ashura are great, but providing for guests and serving the pilgrims also has a great deal of importance.”
He said, “During the Arba’in pilgrimage, we must be very careful about religious and ethnic differences and we must not engage in actions that cause divisions among Muslims and pilgrims under any circumstances.”
Hujjat al-Islam Bahjatpour stated that the Islamic Revolution and Iran are the servants of the Ahlul-Bayt and Imam al-Husayn and added, “Islamic Iran is the epicentre of the Islamic Resistance and will never abandon the flag of the struggle against the oppressors and will stand against the oppressors. This culture must be conveyed to all people.”
The prominent commentator of the Holy Quran emphasized on precise planning to carry out cultural activities during the Arba’in pilgrimage and added, “During the Arba’in pilgrimage, we must pay special attention to cultural issues and anticipate different plans for the pilgrims. In addition, we must avoid political activity and any activity that causes divisions, and everyone must pay attention to this important issue.”
It must be noted that Arba’in marks forty days after the Day of Ashura, the day Imam al-Husayn ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
On the day of Arba’in, the Shi’ah faithful traditionally walk for several days or longer to reach the Iraqi holy city of Karbala where crowds chant and march around the Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn. This year, Arba’in will be commemorated on October 30th.
Rasa News Agency
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