Introduction

شاه است حسین ع، پادشاه است حسین ع ۔
دین است حسین ع، دین پناه است حسین ع ۔

Hussain (AS) is a king; indeed, he is the king of kings.
Hussain (AS) is (the foundation of) religion; he is the protector of religion.

This powerful verse highlights Imam Hussain’s (A.S.) supreme spiritual status and his pivotal role in preserving Islam through his sacrifice at Karbala.

What is Arbaeen?
Arbaeen, meaning “forty” in Arabic, marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was brutally killed in the battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram. This occasion is not merely a day of mourning but a powerful reminder of his unwavering
stand for truth, justice, and divine principles.

The significance of Imam Hussain’s (AS) Sacrifice

Imam Hussain’s (A.S) sacrifice was not just for the people of his time—it was a timeless revolution against oppression and corruption. He gave everything, including his family and life, to preserve the real essence of Islam.

Among the many ways the lovers of Ahlul-Bayt (A.S) express their devotion, the Ziyarat (pilgrimage) to the shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S) on the day of Arbaeen holds a unique and elevated status. It is considered more than just a physical journey it is a spiritual connection to the mission of Karbala.

Why the ziyarat of Arbaeen holds special value.
This Ziyarat is so significant that Imam Hassan al Askari (A.S) stated that it is one of the five signs of a true believer.

Imam Hassan Al Askari (A.S.) said:
A believer is not a true believer unless he possesses five qualities:

1. Performing fifty rak‘ahs of prayer daily (including both obligatory and recommended prayers),

2. Ziyarat e Arbaeen Visiting the shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.) on the day of Arbaeen (40th day after Ashura),

3. Wearing a ring on the right hand

4. Placing the forehead on the earth in prostration (as a sign of humility),

5. Reciting supplications (ta‘qibaat) after every prayer.
Mafati al Jinan

Virtue of Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (A.S) The Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (A.S) holds a unique place in the hearts of believers and in the teachings of the Ahlul-Bayt (A.S). It is not only an act of love and devotion but also a source of immense spiritual reward. Numerous hadith emphasize the value of visiting the grave of Imam Hussain (A.S), particularly on special occasions like Arbaeen.

Kamil bin Jabir narrates from Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S):
One day, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) came to the house of Ahlul-Bayt (A.S). A simple meal milk, dates, and butter was presented to him, a gift from Lady Umm e Salma. The family of the Prophet offered it to him, and the Prophet (S.A.W.W) partook of it.

Afterward, the Prophet (S.A.W.W) became engaged in supererogatory prayers (Nawafil). When he completed his prayers, he went into a prostration of gratitude (Sajda al-Shukr) and began to weep uncontrollably. We were all astonished and no one could gather the courage to ask the reason behind his tears.

Finally, the young Imam Hussain (A.S) approached the Prophet, sat beside him, and gently asked: “Dear Grandfather! When you came to our home, we all became extremely happy. But now your tears have worried us.

What is the reason?”
The Prophet (S.A.W.W) raised his head from the ground and replied:
“My beloved! Just as you are delighted to see me, I too was happy to see you all gathered. But just now,
Angel Jibra’il descended and reminded me: ‘O Muhammad (S.A.W.W), all your Ahlul-Bayt will be martyred, and their graves will be scattered in distant lands.’”

Upon hearing this, Imam Hussain (A.S) asked:
“Dear Grandfather! Will anyone from your nation come to visit our graves?”

The Prophet (S.A.W.W) replied:
“Yes, my son! A small group from my nation will come to visit your graves.”

الامام الحسين (A.S) then asked:
“What reward will those who perform our Ziyarat (pilgrimage) receive?”

The Prophet (S.A.W.W) said:
“My beloved! At the very least, I will personally intercede on behalf of your visitors (Zaireen), I will grant
them entrance into Paradise, and protect them from the horrors of the Day of Judgment.”

_Al-Dam’ah al-Sakibah, Volume 2
Imam (A.S) stated:
One who visits the grave of Hussain (A.S) on the day of Arbaeen will be rewarded with the reward of a hundred accepted pilgrimages and a hundred accepted Umrah.

These narrations highlight not just the scale of the reward but also the spiritual depth of the Ziyarat. Imam Hussain (A.S) sacrificed everything for the revival of true Islam. Visiting him in Arbaeen is an act that reflects one’s commitment to the same values of truth, justice, and resistance to oppression.

The Ziyarat also brings a believer closer to Allah (SWT), purifies the soul, and strengthens the connection with
the divine path laid down by the Ahlul-Bayt (A.S). It is a moment of reflection, repentance, and renewal of one’s purpose in life.

In summary, the virtue of this Ziyarat lies not just in the act itself, but in what it symbolizes: a renewal of
allegiance to Imam Hussain (A.S), and a promise to carry his message forward.

Method and Supplication of Ziyarat of Arbaeen

What is Ziyarat of Arbaeen?

Ziyarat of Arbaeen is a special visitation prayer (Ziyarat) recited on the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S). It is narrated from Imam Hassan al Askari (A.S) and is considered one of the signs of a true believer.

How to Perform Ziyarat of Arbaeen:

1. Intention (Niyyah):
Begin with a sincere intention to offer salutations and pay homage to Imam Hussain (A.S) and his loyal companions.

2.Purity:
It is recommended to be in a state of Wudu (ablution). If possible, perform Ghusl (ritual bath) for Ziyarat.

3. Facing the Qibla:
While reciting the Ziyarat, sit or stand facing the Qibla. If you’re in Karbala, face the shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S).

4. Timing:
The best time to recite the Ziyarat is on the day of Arbaeen (20th of Safar), preferably after Fajr or Dhuhr prayers, but it can be recited anytime during the day.

Summary of Ziyarat of Arbaeen:
The full Arabic text can be found in books such as Mafatih al-Jinan. Here’s a summarized translation of it meaning:

“Peace be upon Hussain, the beloved of Allah, the chosen martyr, and the leader of the martyrs. Peace be upon the blood that was shed in His path, and upon the bodies buried in the land of Karbala. I bear witness that you established prayer, gave charity, enjoined good, forbade evil, and sacrificed your life for the religion of Allah.”

Themes and Supplications in the Ziyarat:

Pledge of Loyalty:
The reciter renews their allegiance to the mission of Imam Hussain (A.S).

Condemnation of Injustice:
The Ziyarat strongly denounces the tyrants and oppressors of Karbala.

Commitment to the Path of >Ahlul-Bayt (A.S): Through this Ziyarat, one affirms their adherence to the teachings and leadership of the Ahlul Bayt (A.S).

Historical Background

Ziyarat of Arbaeen is not just an act of devotionit i s a reflection of a powerful and sacred history rooted in
sacrifice, patience, loyalty, and the eternal message of truth carried by Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions.

The First Ziyarat of Arbaeen Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (R.A):

The very first Ziyarat of Arbaeen was performed by Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (R.A), a companion of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W).

On the 20th of Safar, 61 AH, he arrived in Karbala along with his companion Atiyyah. He performed Ghusl in the Euphrates River, applied fragrance, and approached the graves of the martyrs barefoot, as a sign of respect. He stood at the grave of Imam Hussain (A.S) and wept deeply, offering his heartfelt salutations. This marked the beginning of the tradition of Ziyarat of Arbaeen a symbol of sincere love and loyalty.

Return of the Caravan of Ahlul-Bayt (A.S):

On the same day, the captives from the family of the Prophet (S.A.W.W), including Lady Zainab (S.A) and Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (A.S), returned to Karbala after their long and painful journey through Kufa and Shaam (Syria)

This emotional reunion at the graves of their loved ones was filled with grief and remembrance, and it became a moment of deep spiritual and historical significance.

The Arbaeen Caravan Patience, Loyalty, and the Message of Hussain (A.S):

The story of Arbaeen reminds us that the journey of >Imam Hussain (A.S) did not end at Karbala. His mission continues through those who uphold the values of justice, resistance against oppression, and unwavering faith in the path of Ahlul-Bayt (A.S).

The Ziyarat of Arbaeen serves as a renewal of that commitment by every true believer..
The World’s Largest Peaceful Gathering – The Arbaeen Walk

A Spiritual Journey of Millions Every year, on the day of Arbaeen, the world witnesses an unparalleled religious and spiritual phenomenon the largest peaceful gathering of humanity, where over 20 million people walk toward the sacred shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S) in Karbala, Iraq. This walk, known as the “Arbaeen Walk” (Mashi), begins from Najaf, the resting place of Imam Ali (A.S), and stretches about 80 kilometers to Karbala.
This is not just a physical journey it is a movement of love, loyalty, and faith.

Beyond Borders A Global Tribute What makes this gathering unique is its global nature. Pilgrims come not only from Iraq and Iran, but from Pakistan, India, Lebanon, Bahrain, the United States, Europe, Africa, and across the world.
Many of them walk for days, enduring heat and hardship, just to say:
“Labbaik Ya Hussain!”
It is a declaration of allegiance to the cause of justice, sacrifice, and resistance against tyranny.
Mawkib Culture A Legacy of Pure Service

Along the entire route, thousands of Mawkibs (service camps) are set up by local Iraqis and volunteers who offer free food, drinks, rest areas, medical aid, clothing, massages, and even shoe-cleaning services to every single pilgrim—without asking for a single penny. Their only intention is to serve the lovers of Imam Hussain (A.S) and gain the pleasure of Allah.

Unity, Peace, and Devotion Despite being the largest annual gathering in the world, there is no violence, no politics, no sectarianism only unity, brotherhood, and devotion. This walk transcends languages, nationalities, and cultures. It sends a powerful message to the world that the mission of Karbala is alive and that Imam Hussain (A.S)) continues to inspire love, truth, justice, and huma dignity

Recognized by the World Even international media outlets and UN observers have acknowledged the Arbaeen Walk as the largest peaceful gathering on Earth. It remains largely ignored in mainstream Western media, yet its significance is undeniable and growing every year.

A Message that Lives On The Arbaeen pilgrimage is more than a commemoration it is a living revolution, a walking sermon, and a testimony that the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S) was not in vain.
Every step taken on this journey is a stand against oppression and a step toward spiritual awakening.

خاتمة
The True Message of Arbaeen The Ziyarat of Arbaeen is not merely a physical journey to Karbala; it is a spiritual awakening and a renewal of faith. Through this sacred pilgrimage, millions of people come together, united by a common cause the quest for justice, truth, and sacrifice.

Imam Hussain’s (A.S) message continues to resonate across generations, teaching us the values of courage, patience, loyalty, and steadfastness in the face of oppression. The Arbaeen Walk is not just an event it is a testament to the enduring power of Imam Hussain’s (A.S) revolution. It is a reflection of the spirit of resistance that never fades, no matter the challenges or the distance. Through it, we reaffirm our commitment to the path of Ahlul-Bayt (A.S) and the ongoing fight against
injustice. As we take part in this divine journey, let us remember that true faith is not just in words, but in actions. The Ziyarat of Arbaeen teaches us that the path of Imam Hussain (A.S) is one of service, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth values that we must embody in our daily lives.

In the end, the Ziyarat of Arbaeen is a message of hope for all humanity reminding us that we are never alone in the struggle for justice. As we walk the path of Hussain (A.S), we are not just pilgrims; we are bearers of his message, dedicated to upholding the values of righteousness and humanity, no matter where life takes us