Hawzah News Agency (Najaf, Iraq) – Ayatollah Sayyed Muhammad Taqi Modarresi invited world’s religious leaders to pay attention to great Arbaeen pilgrimage which is attended by millions of Muslims every year.

The senior cleric asserted that such massive participation of Muslim believers has the potential to reduce violence worldwide and to resolve regional tensions.

He stated these remarks in his letter addressed to Pope Francis and other religious leaders of the world.

"In a world filled with injustice and materialism, in a world endangered by violence, nuclear wars, poverty and corruption, more than 20 million Iraqi Muslims as well as followers of other religions from different countries  take part in great Arbaeen march in order to seek proximity to Allah almighty and reach felicity," the letter read.

Ayatollah Modarresi further wrote, "We ask you to recognize this great Arbaeen pilgrimage which is unprecedented throughout history of mankind and the world; I ask you to voice solidarity with this massive gathering. There’s hope that Allah almighty enlightens our hearts the same way he did with prophets and his good servants. Considering Arbaeen pilgrimage which is attended by millions of Ahlulbayt’s lovers, we all must make sincere efforts for happiness and felicity of one another."

"These millions of people who participate in Arbaeen pilgrimage wish to be guided by the light of Imam Hussain (as) and they also want each and every one of us to act in the same way hoping to receive Allah’s blessings," the letter concluded.