In an interview with Hawzah News Agency, Hojatoleslam Morteza Khoshsobat described Arbaeen – referred to by the Supreme Leader as the "Arbaeen World Congress" – as a phenomenon of immense human and spiritual dimensions. “At the Shiite level, Arbaeen serves as a reminder of common identity, a great narrative of resistance against oppression, and a deep-rooted belief centered on the personality and universal message of Imam Hussein (AS),” he said.
According to Khoshsobat, this message is rooted in divine revelation and addresses eternal human concerns such as justice, freedom, the fight against oppression, human dignity, and servitude to God. “When millions of Shiites from diverse ethnic, racial, and sectarian backgrounds gather around this message, a natural ideological, cultural, and emotional cohesion emerges – one based on faith in a great truth, rather than transient political or ethnic interests,” he added.
The seminary and university professor emphasized that the essence of this unity is the shared love for Imam Hussein (AS) and faith in his goals. “This collective presence – expressed through service, prayer, and empathy – revives the sense of a ‘united Shiite nation’ beyond geographical and linguistic borders,” he noted.
Highlighting the significance of the event in Iran, Hojatoleslam Khoshsobat pointed to the voluntary participation of people in serving pilgrims as a symbol of social cohesion and hospitality. He described Arbaeen as now being deeply embedded in the national and cultural identity of Shiite communities, enhancing collective pride and organizational capacity.
Khoshsobat further stated that at the interfaith and intercultural level, the presence of Sunni Muslims and even non-Muslims such as Christians among the pilgrims, observers, and service providers creates an exceptional opportunity for direct observation of Shiite rituals in their most authentic form. This interaction, he said, fosters interfaith dialogue and helps dispel misunderstandings and stereotypes. “The slogan ‘Love for Imam Hussein brings us together’ becomes a lived reality during Arbaeen,” he remarked.
On a global scale, Hojatoleslam Khoshsobat described the Arbaeen walk as a living example of “life without borders,” where people of different backgrounds walk side by side with a single goal. These bonds, he explained, form the foundation of transnational popular networks that can lead to cultural, social, and even economic cooperation.
The cleric stressed that Arbaeen sends a clear message to the world: it is not a symbol of violence or extremism, but rather a manifestation of peaceful mourning, selfless service, and mutual respect – making Imam Hussein (AS) an inspiration for all freedom-seekers.
However, Khoshsobat noted that the peaceful message of Arbaeen does not exclude recognizing and confronting enemies. “One of the most important functions of Arbaeen is to identify the common enemy and work to neutralize his plots,” he said, pointing to the Zionist regime as a clear example of such enmity today.
He concluded by emphasizing that the International Arbaeen Congress can serve as a platform for uniting all peoples against oppression and tyranny, regardless of religion, creed, or nationality, and ultimately prepare the ground for the emergence of Imam Mahdi (AS) and the establishment of a new Islamic civilization under his leadership.
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