Hawzah News Agency- In an interview with the Hawzah News Agency in the central city of Arak, Hojatoleslam Meysam Dargahi reflected on the approaching Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (PBUH), stating that as the world once again breathes the air of Muharram and Arbaeen, the timeless epic reemerges not as a ceremony, but as a "mobile civilization" that liberates millions from material attachments each year, guiding them towards a feast of love and self-sacrifice.
The secret of Arbaeen's eternal magnetism
Addressing the enigma of the pilgrimage's ever-swelling tide despite scorching heat, crushing fatigue, and immense hardship, Dargahi declared, "The secret of this movement's endurance lies in pure spirituality and selfless sacrifice, which cannot be analyzed through any material metric. Millions traverse vast distances under grueling conditions, abandoning worldly comforts solely to demonstrate their love and devotion to Imam Hussein (PBUH). This living miracle repeats itself every year because it is rooted in the pure innate nature of humanity and the unending search for truth."
A battlefield for the 'Jihad of Clarification'
The senior cleric underscored the pilgrimage's unparalleled potential for disseminating religious teachings and countering the doubts plaguing the younger generation. "This extraordinary gathering represents the finest opportunity for the Jihad of Clarification," he asserted, outlining a two-pronged approach.
"First, the clarification of abstract concepts through action. Notions such as justice, resistance, and sacrifice are rendered tangible and concrete here, visibly embodied in the spirit of service to others. Second, direct engagement with the youth. Alongside the service stations, or mawakib, clerics and preachers can employ clear, accessible language suited to the prevailing spiritual atmosphere to address contemporary doubts and transmit pure religious knowledge," Dargahi explained.
Unity against oppression: Arbaeen's central message
Asked about the pilgrimage's most urgent message for society today, Dargahi was unequivocal. "The foremost message is unity and solidarity in the face of tyranny and oppression. Arbaeen narrates the twin tales of victimization and resistance, shattering geographical and sectarian borders alike." He stressed that this message has become inextricably linked to the defense of the world's oppressed, particularly the people of Gaza, transforming the pilgrimage into a powerful symbol of unity for the entire Islamic Ummah.
Arbaeen as an instrument of soft power and public diplomacy
Dargahi further elaborated on the pilgrimage's immense capacity to serve as a vehicle for public diplomacy and to bolster Iran's standing across the Muslim world. "Arbaeen is a tremendous asset for public diplomacy and Iran's soft power," he stated.
"It projects the true face of Iran—one of rich culture, a faithful populace, and boundless hospitality—standing in stark contrast to the propaganda churned out by Western media. Moreover, this assembly functions as a platform to declare solidarity with the Axis of Resistance and to chart the contours of a new Islamic civilization founded upon justice," the cleric added.
Harnessing the Arbaeen spirit to heal domestic social challenges
Turning his attention inward, the seminary director argued that the culture of Arbaeen possesses the transformative potential to address a range of social and cultural challenges within the country. "The ethos of Arbaeen can resolve many internal issues," Dargahi noted.
He highlighted the institutionalization of a spirit of sacrifice, unconditional service, and empathy as a means of boosting social capital. Furthermore, he emphasized that the event, marked by the massive participation of Iranians from every ethnicity and persuasion, significantly strengthens national solidarity and cohesion.
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