Arbaeen March An Opportunity for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought
Arbaeen is also an opportunity for showcasing people’s kindness and love for one another.
In many Hadiths, people have been urged to take part in the Arbaeen pilgrimage and great rewards have been promised for those going on the pilgrimage.
Arbaeen has many positive effects on the pilgrims and these outcomes should continue after they return home as well. According to Imam Hassan Askari (AS), one of the five signs of faith is taking part in the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
In another Hadith, we read that anyone who visits the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) will be rewarded for every step he takes, his sins will be forgiven and God places him in the ranks of those who have achieved salvation.
The Arbaeen march is not a contemporary phenomenon as the Infallible Imams (AS) tried to clarify this great event. Today we see some 30 million people from nearly 90 countries take part in this event. In fact, Arbaeen is the outcome of the efforts made by all prophets of God. That is why not only Shias, but also Sunnis, Jews, Christians, Hindus and even atheists who seek the truth, justice and world peace take part in this annual march out of love for Imam Hussein (AS).
On the path of Arbaeen march, many people from different nationalities and religions move toward one light, which is the light of God. So the greatest feature of Arbaeen is the fact that people want to say there is no beloved than God and that light is in this shrine we are moving toward.
The spirit dominating the Arbaeen pilgrimage is the spirit of monotheism of all people. The holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) has been chosen to showcase the unity of humans as Imam Hussein (AS), who sacrificed his life for God and for monotheism, is the manifestation of all good, love and beauty.
Basically, Arbaeen is the manifestation of the unity of the Muslim Ummah and justice-seeking humanity. Anyone who seeks world peace and justice takes part in this epical event.
Arbaeen has turned into a symbol of unity of the Muslim Ummah with followers of other divine faiths and this has frightened the enemies of Islam.
Arbaeen is a peaceful movement created in opposition to the front of injustice and all Arbaeen pilgrims, regardless of their religion and nationality, are unanimous against arrogant powers.
Arbaeen is an opportunity for people to declare faithfulness and love for one another.
This article was derived from an IQNA's interview with Dr. Nasim Arabi, a lecturer at Islamic Denominations University.
