Arbaeen: We wish we were beside you

Arbaeen is around the corner. A great and unprecedented phenomenon has taken place over the past few years and that is the walk from Najaf-- or cities farther-- to Karbala. This movement is the movement of love and faith. We look at them from afar and envy those who have been blessed with the opportunity of taking part in the pilgrimage.

Hawzah News Agency- Here are some statements made by Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, on the occasion of Arbaeen:

“Despite being far away, we speak in your memory; there is not distance in the spiritual journey” (a poem by Hafez)

Those who have walked down this path participating in this movement of love and faith are indeed doing a sacrificial action. This is a great religious ceremony. “Do not violate God’s sacraments”. This is undoubtedly one of God’s sacraments. It would be best for those like me--who have been deprived of such movements—to say, ‘We wish we were beside you so that we could achieve this great success!’

As I said, this movement is the movement of love and faith, where both strong faith and true confidence, from the depths of one’s heart in righteous beliefs, as well as love and kindness play a motivating and stimulating role.

The combination of ‘love and faith’ and ‘reason and affection’ are unique characteristics of the Ahl ul Bayt school of thought, ‘a combination of love and faith, logic and emotions.’

The Iraqi people serve the people on the walk with utmost generosity and kindness. It's a magnificent, meaningful and profound movement and those who can make it, should certainly grasp the opportunity to join the event.

Statements made by Ayatollah Khamenei during Dars-e Kharij; November 3, 2015.