Arbaeen

Arbaeen, meaning forty, is a major religious observance in Shia Islam that commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. It marks the 40th day after Ashura, the day of Husayn’s death, and thus closes the mourning period associated with his martyrdom.

The central act of Arbaeen is the pilgrimage to Husayn’s shrine in Karbala, Iraq. Pilgrims travel from across Iraq and from other countries to Karbala, sometimes walking long distances along designated routes. The gathering is considered one of the world's largest annual religious events. Participants recite lamentations and religious songs, and many perform the Ziyarat Arba’een, a specific visitation and tribute to Husayn.

Along the route, communities provide food, water, and shelter to pilgrims, and processions or reenactments related to the events at Karbala are common. The observance emphasizes themes of justice, sacrifice, and steadfastness.

Historically, Arbaeen has evolved into a major expression of Shia devotion, with large-scale pilgrimages developing over centuries and expanding in the modern era. In recent decades, the event has grown in scale and visibility, particularly in Iraq and the surrounding region.

Globally, Arbaeen is observed by Shia communities beyond Iraq, including in Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and among diaspora populations. Local rituals and organized journeys mirror the central pilgrimage to Karbala and reflect the event’s enduring religious and cultural significance.