IN PHOTOS: Hundreds from Mumbai reach Iraq for 80-km walk to mark Arbaeen of Imam Hussain

Millions of people from across the world are gathering for an 80-kilometre walk from Najaf to Karbala, commemorating Arbaeen—the 40th day following the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (a.s), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Among these millions worldwide, hundreds of devout individuals from Mumbai have commenced their Arbaeen Walk, embarking from the revered shrine of Imam Ali (a.s) in Najaf, with the aim of completing the 80-kilometer journey in 3-5 days. Pics/Sayed Zamin Ali and and Vasi Sayed 

Updated On: 2023-09-04 06:33 PM IST

Compiled by : Asif Ali Sayed

The holy shrine of Imam Hussain ib Ali (a.s) in Karbala, Iraq. Pics/Sayed Zamin Ali and and Vasi Sayed

The Arbaeen Walk holds great significance for Shia Muslims. They visit the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in remembrance of Imam Hussain (a.s) and his father Imam Ali (a.s). During the Arbaeen Walk, the pilgrims, also called as the Zaereens of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (a.s), remember the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s). The Arbaeen Walk encapsulates the message that Imam Hussain stood for 1400 years ago

Along the 80 km stretch from Najaf to Karbala volunteers distribute free food, fruits, juices, and water to those undertaking the pilgrimage. Arbaeen Day is now one of the largest annual peaceful gatherings in the world

Sayed Zamin Ali, a resident of South Mumbai, is once again making his pilgrimage to Iraq for the Arbaeen of Imam Hussain (a.s) this year, marking yet another addition to his multiple participations in the Arbaeen Walk over the years. Speaking from Najaf on September 1, Zamin shared his thoughts with mid-day.com as he embarked on his latest Arbaeen Walk journey

Another Mumbai resident, Vasi Sayed, the chief of Guldasta-E-Matami, a Mumbai-based Anjuman, who reached Najaf for the Arbaeen Walk told mid-day.com, "This is my fifth year of Arbaeen Walk. The locals here are very helpful and their hospitality during the Arbaeen Walk is remarkable. I have never faced any problem during any of the Arbaeen Walk in all these years. Moreover, there are many mawkebs (tents) of different countries including India's along the the Arbaeen Walk for any help

Muhammad Imran Mirza, a college student from Mumbai told mid-day.com, "I reached Najaf with my friends a couple of days ago. I had heard about the Arbaeen Walk before and decided to visit here this year. I had planned to visit Najaf four months ago and accordingly prepared myself for the visit to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala

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