Speaking to Hawzah News Agency, the seminary professor said the Arbaeen pilgrimage — held annually on the Najaf–Karbala route — is “a symbol of the unity and solidarity of the Islamic Ummah” and is modeled after the uprising of Hazrat Aba Abdullah al-Hussein (AS).
Highlighting the diversity of participants, he noted that people from various ethnicities, cultures, and even other religions join the march, united by a transcendent goal:
“To work for God and revive His religion, even if this path ends at the cost of one’s life or the captivity of loved ones.”
Citing the Quranic verse “Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a standing place for mankind” (Al-Ma’idah: 97), Tawakol compared the Hajj — which brings together two to three million people — with the Arbaeen procession, which attracts nearly ten times that number.
“Such an unparalleled gathering has an even greater potential to strengthen faith and Islamic unity,” he said.
On the civilizational role of the event, he stressed that Arbaeen is more than a religious observance:
“It is a living demonstration of the Islamic nation’s ability to create a civilizational model based on brotherhood, sacrifice, solidarity, and love for the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) — a model that can inspire the global community.”
Tawakol emphasized that the Arbaeen walk showcases how the Islamic world can unite beyond ethnic, racial, and even religious differences to present a peaceful life rooted in human values. He called this the foundation of a “new Islamic civilization” capable of meeting the moral needs of humanity today.
Comparing Arbaeen to Hajj, he said that while each has its own philosophy and importance, Arbaeen offers an exceptional platform for presenting “pure Islam and the universal message of religion” to a broader audience.
He described the emerging “Arbaeen civilization” as standing in stark contrast to the greed, injustice, and oppression of global powers:
“It embodies the mission of defending the oppressed and resisting oppression and evil.”
Amid current geopolitical crises, Tawakol argued, the Arbaeen walk sends a message of hope and resistance:
“In a world where innocent blood is shed and oppression prevails, Arbaeen’s call for justice and anti-oppression echoes across the globe.”
Concluding, he said the Arbaeen civilization — rooted in the culture of Ashura — upholds values such as sacrifice, martyrdom, and defending the oppressed, making it “a source of inspiration not only for Muslims but for all free and justice-seeking people worldwide.”
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