Representative of His Eminence, Grand Ayatollah Al-Najafy on Walk to Karbala: ARBAEEN PILGRIMAGE: A SYMBOL OF UNITY AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AMONG THE FOLLOWERS OF AHL AL-BAYT (PEACE BE UPON THEM) IN IRAQ 24/8/2024 ![]() |
His Eminence Sheikh Ali Al-Najafy emphasizes that this
pilgrimage is not merely a religious tradition, but a confirmation from the
Imams of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and a binding directive for their
followers to uphold this practice regardless of the surrounding circumstances.
This directive is evident throughout history, where the followers of Ahl
al-Bayt (peace be upon them) have insisted on performing this ritual even in
the harshest and most difficult circumstances characterized by terror, violence,
killing, and oppression. The Representative of His Eminence, Grand Ayatollah
Al-Najafy (may Allah prolong his life), and the Director of His Central Office
in Najaf, His Eminence Sheikh Ali Al-Najafy, points out that this religious
commitment reflects the strength of belief and steadfastness in principles.
Despite the persecution and suffering endured by the followers of Ahl Al-Bayt
(peace be upon them) over the centuries, they have never abandoned this
pilgrimage, which reflects a divine endurance and continuous victory. They have
faced dangers and threats to visit Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), making
this pilgrimage a symbol of resilience and insistence on the truth. These remarks were made during his conversation with
believers and the organizers of the Hussaini camps along the blessed path to
Karbala of Resilience. His Eminence conveyed the greetings and prayers of His
Eminence, Grand Ayatollah Al-Najafy (may Allah prolong his life) to them,
praying for them to have success, protection, and acceptance of their deeds. Arbaeen Pilgrimage: A Source of Strength for Iraqi
Society Sheikh Al-Najafy further added that the Arbaeen
pilgrimage is a source of strength not only for the Shia sect but for Iraqi
society as a whole. Each year, millions of pilgrims from Iraq and abroad
converge on the holy city of Karbala to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam
Hussain (peace be upon him). This reflects the unity and solidarity of the
society around the values of justice, freedom, and reform embodied by the
character of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). Sheikh Al-Najafy stated that this pilgrimage is an
occasion where spiritual victory is renewed, as the followers of Ahl Al-Bayt
(peace be upon them) reaffirm their allegiance to the Imams and renew their
commitment to their path. During these days, Karbala becomes a religious and
cultural center where pilgrims express their love and loyalty to Ahl Al-Bayt
(peace be upon them) through Hussaini processions, poems, and chants that
immortalize the values of sacrifice and devotion. Arbaeen Pilgrimage: A School of Morality and Reform On another note, Sheikh Al-Najafy believes that the
Arbaeen pilgrimage is not limited to its religious dimension but extends to
become a great school for instilling the morals of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon
them). It is an opportunity to reaffirm lofty human values such as patience,
tolerance, and altruism and promotes societal reform by encouraging the
abandonment of sinful behaviors and adherence to virtuous values. Sheikh Al-Najafy also affirmed that the Arbaeen
pilgrimage sends a powerful message to the world that the followers of Ahl
Al-Bayt (peace be upon them) are steadfast in their values and principles,
seeking to spread peace and justice through adherence to the morals and
teachings of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). Furthermore, this pilgrimage is
an opportunity to strengthen social bonds among different segments of society,
where people from diverse backgrounds and cultures come together, united around
a common cause. Arbaeen Pilgrimage: A Message to the World
In conclusion, the Arbaeen pilgrimage continues to embody the true spirit of sacrifice and altruism that Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) represented in Karbala. It reflects the unwavering determination to follow the path of truth and justice, despite all difficulties and challenges. Through this pilgrimage, the followers of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them) send a message to the world that they are steadfast in their principles and are willing to sacrifice for them. This makes the Arbaeen pilgrimage a unique religious and humanitarian event, reflecting the depth of faith and sincerity of loyalty. |