20 Safar ul Muzaffar A Day of Mourning, Reflection, and Resistance

Arbaeen is one of the most sacred and significant observances in Shia Islam, marked by deep mourning and remembrance. It falls 40 days after Ashura, the day commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (a.s), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in the historic Battle of Karbala. the 20th of Safar al-Muzaffar, known as Arba'een, is observed 40 days after Ashura. Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, marks the commemoration of Imam Hussein's martyrdom, while Arba'een commemorates the fortieth day after his death. The word “Arbaeen” itself means “fortieth” in Arabic, signifying the 40th day of mourning—a period rooted in Islamic tradition and symbolic of remembrance and spiritual reflection.

The Historical Context

Ashura and the Battle of Karbala

Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history. On this day in 680 CE, Imam Hussain Alah e Salam, along with his family members and companions, was brutally martyred on the plains of Karbala (in present-day Iraq) by the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid ibn Muawiyah.

Imam Hussain's refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid—whom he viewed as an unjust and tyrannical ruler—was an act of moral resistance. His stand embodied the Islamic principles of justice, truth, and the defense of human dignity, even at the cost of his own life.

Maula Imam Hussain ibn Ali (a.s)?

Maula Imam Hussain (a.s) is the son of Maula ImamAli ibn Abi Talib (a.s) (the first Shia Imam and fourth caliph in Sunni tradition) and BiBi Fatimah Zahra (s.a), the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (asws). As the grandson of the Prophet, Imam Hussain (a.s) holds a revered status in both Shia and Sunni traditions.

In Shia Islamic history, He is seen as a symbol of sacrifice, courage, and unwavering faith. His martyrdom at Karbala is considered a defining event that shaped the identity and spiritual path of the Shia community.

What Is Arbaeen e Hussaini?

The World’s Largest Peaceful Gathering for Imam Hussain (a.s)

Arbaeen, observed on the 20th of Safar, the second month in the Islamic lunar calendar, marks 40 days after Ashura. In Islamic tradition, the 40-day mourning period (Chehlum in Persian and Urdu) is a time of remembrance and spiritual reflection. Arbaeen concludes this period by honoring the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (a.s) and his companions.

It is not only a time to mourn their deaths, but also to celebrate their legacy of standing against tyranny, defending truth, and upholding justice.

Significance of Arbaeen

1. A Time of Mourning and Solidarity

For millions of Shia Muslims worldwide, Arbaeen is a day of collective mourning. Devotees wear black clothing, participate in majalis (gatherings), recite elegies, and reflect on the tragedies of Karbala.

2. The World’s Largest Peaceful Gathering

Arbaeen is home to one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world. Each year, tens of millions of pilgrims—from across Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, Africa, Europe, and beyond—travel to Imam Hussain’s shrine in Karbala, often on foot, in a journey of faith and devotion. This pilgrimage, known as the Arbaeen Walk, stretches from Najaf (where Imam Ali is buried) to Karbala, covering nearly 80 kilometers.

3. Symbol of Resistance Against Oppression

Arbaeen is not just a religious commemoration—it is a movement. It represents a global message of justice, resistance against oppression, and the enduring power of truth. Imam Hussain’s defiance against tyranny continues to inspire activists, scholars, and believers who seek a more just and compassionate world.

Cultural and Spiritual Practices

Pilgrimage to Karbala: Devotees walk for days, often barefoot, as a tribute to the suffering of Hussain and his companions.

Free Services (Mawkib): Along the pilgrimage routes, volunteers set up tents offering free food, water, medical aid, and accommodation to pilgrims—a powerful display of hospitality and unity.

Zayarat e Arba'een on the day Arba'een

Recitation of Ziyarat Arbaeen: A special supplication that acknowledges Hussain’s sacrifice and reaffirms the pilgrim’s allegiance to his cause.

Public Mourning Rituals: Including chest-beating (matam), lamentation poetry (nohas), and theatrical re-enactments (ta’ziya) of the events of Karbala.

Living tradition, a spiritual awakening

Arbaeen is far more than a religious ceremony. It is a living tradition, a spiritual awakening, and a universal symbol of justice. It honors not only the memory of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (a.s0, but also the timeless values for which he stood—truth over falsehood, justice over oppression, and faith over fear.

In a world still plagued by injustice, Arbaeen serves as a powerful reminder that the voice of the oppressed can echo through centuries and continue to inspire change.

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