Hawzah News Agency- Hojatoleslam Mohsen Yousefi, speaking to reporters in Iran’s Sari, described the Arbaeen pilgrimage as an unparalleled occasion for returning to God. "This is a space where the pilgrim must recall their sins with a sense of shame and beseech Imam Hussein (PBUH) to take their hand and intercede for their forgiveness," he declared.
Citing verses from the Holy Qur'an, the religious expert pointed to the example of Prophet Yusuf's (PBUH) brothers, who, despite committing grave sins—including casting him into a well and lying to their father—ultimately turned to their father, Prophet Yaqub (PBUH), in supplication, saying: "O our father, ask forgiveness for us for our sins."
He stressed that the pilgrim of Arbaeen must approach the Infallible Imams (PBUH) with this very spirit of repentance and contrition, so that the path toward purification is made smooth.
Transcending Distractions: Reaching the True "Sights" of Karbala
The religious expert warned against squandering the opportunity of pilgrimage, cautioning that crowds and excessive attention to mobile phones and video recording risk robbing the pilgrim of spiritual focus. "Taking photographs without a deeply spiritual connection constitutes a squandering of this precious opportunity," he stated.
Citing wisdom from scholarly elders, he emphasized that if the pilgrim transcends peripheral distractions and seeks nothing but Imam Hussein (PBUH), they will be shown breathtaking and profound truths.
Pointing to the vastness of Imam Hussein's (PBUH) mercy during his most difficult moments, he noted: "While the masses assumed the Imam was cursing his enemies, the angels witnessed him raising his hands in supplication so that his Ummah would not be punished. This is the manifestation of the Qur'anic verse: 'And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.'"
Spiritual Capacity: The Prerequisite for Becoming a Companion
Hojatoleslam Yousefi, analyzing the concept of "spiritual capacity," argued that while many aspire to be among the companions of Imam Hussein (PBUH) and recite "O Allah, make me among his helpers and supporters," one must first possess the necessary capacity.
Citing a miracle in which a painting was transformed into a real lion through the sanctified gaze of Imam Reza (PBUH), he explained: "Just as the Wilayah-infused gaze of Imam Reza (PBUH) endowed that painting with capacity and agency, the gaze of Imam Hussein (PBUH) can similarly transform human beings."
He recalled the companions of the Master of Martyrs (PBUH), noting that Hurr, Zuhayr, Wahab the Christian, and even the Christian envoy of Yazid all initially lacked the capacity but were transformed by a single glance from the Imam. "We, too, must implore the Imam on this path to grant us capacity, so that we may be accepted and favored in his presence, just like Habib ibn Mazahir," he stated.
Hojatoleslam Yousefi highlighted moving scenes of service along the pilgrimage route, citing the example of individuals who, with pure hearts, clear pebbles from the path to prevent pilgrims' feet from being hurt. "This is an exceptional opportunity to attain the station of a servant—a lofty rank not everyone reaches, and one of the most beautiful spiritual opportunities along the Arbaeen route," he said.
Distinguishing Outward Ability from Spiritual Capacity
Drawing a distinction between outward capability and spiritual capacity, he continued: "Many of us long to be accepted before the Infallible Imams (PBUT) and to hear the words, 'You are of use to us.' But this station requires capacity."
Referencing the story of Abu Muslim Khorasani and Imam Sadiq's (PBUH) decisive remark—"You are not among my men"—the expert stressed: "During the Arbaeen journey, we must ask the Imam to make us 'capable' so that we may be of service on the path of Truth."
For those unable to travel to Karbala, he affirmed that tasting the spirituality of Arbaeen is not confined to pilgrims alone. Citing the elevated station of Uways al-Qarani, who was beloved by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) without ever having seen him physically, Hojatoleslam Yousefi declared: "Whoever possesses a sincere heart and walks the path of obedience to the Household of Revelation, even in the farthest corners of the globe, is in Karbala."
Praising the steadfast resistance of the Yemeni and Gazan peoples, he added: "Today we witness the sons and daughters of Gaza and Yemen, despite immense suffering and meager resources, standing at the forefront of defending the oppressed. This very resilience is 'capacity,' attained through faith and resistance. Blessed are those who have attained this station."
Supplication and Entreaty: The Key to Elevated Stations
Citing verse 88 of Surah Yusuf—"O Aziz, adversity has touched us and our family"—the religious expert stressed that attaining spiritual stations requires heartfelt pleading and supplication. "Just as a child, seeking to be lifted, first asks his father to take his hand, we too must ask Imam al-Mahdi (PBUH) and Imam Hussein (PBUH) to take our hands and draw us toward perfection," he stated.
Hojatoleslam Yousefi characterized Arbaeen as the greatest arena for becoming a servant of the cause, clarifying that it is the only place where servanthood requires no official badge, emblem, interview, or bureaucratic selection process. "Here, the selection is made solely by Imam Hussein (PBUH)," he said.
Recounting stories of Iraqi hosts and pilgrims, he described scenes ranging from a man offering hospitality with nothing but a scrap of cardboard to another weeping with joy at the arrival of pilgrims at his doorstep. "All of them hold the station of servanthood," he affirmed.
The religious expert concluded by asserting that anyone who claims the title of a servant must join this path through any means possible—whether cultural service, provision of food, or logistical support—in order to be accepted in the court of the Master of Martyrs (PBUH).
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