Hawzah News Agency- Soft power means the ability to influence others through culture, values, beliefs and spiritual attractions, not through force and military power. The Arbaeen march is a clear example of this concept, because millions of people with different languages, ethnicities, religions and nationalities, without any coercion or official propaganda, stand together with love for Imam Hussein (AS) and convey the message of justice, freedom, sacrifice and resistance to the world.
One of the most important manifestations of solidarity in Arbaeen is the widespread participation of the people in serving the pilgrims. Relying on the spirit of sacrifice and hospitality, thousands of processions voluntarily provide services such as accommodation, food, treatment, and hospitality. This popular cooperation presents a true picture of Islamic culture and human values, and shows that love and empathy can eliminate geographical boundaries and ethnic differences.
On the other hand, Arbaeen is a platform for strengthening the unity of the Islamic nation. Muslims from different countries such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, the Persian Gulf countries, and even Muslims from Europe, Africa, and America attend this ceremony. This widespread presence shows that love for the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and the ideals of Imam Hussein (AS) can be a factor in cohesion and convergence among Muslim nations.
The Arbaeen procession is also a message of peace, justice, and confronting oppression. The uprising of Imam Hussein (AS) was a symbol of resistance against oppression and defense of human dignity, and Arbaeen pilgrims keep this message alive with their presence. For this reason, Arbaeen is not just a religious ceremony, but a cultural and social movement with global impacts that transmits human values to different generations.
From a media perspective, Arbaeen also has a great potential to introduce Islamic culture and high human values. The presence of millions of pilgrims from different countries and the coverage of this event in international media provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the spirit of cooperation, kindness, sacrifice, security, and coexistence among nations. This true image of Islam can correct many misconceptions and propaganda about Muslims and convey the message of mercy, justice, human dignity, and solidarity to the world.
Finally, Arbaeen can be considered a symbol of the soft power of the Islamic world; a power that is not based on force and coercion, but on faith, love, culture, spirituality, and popular participation. This huge gathering, every year, conveys the message of unity, hope, freedom, and resistance to oppression to the world, demonstrating that the thought of Ashura continues to inspire free nations. If this great potential is properly recognized and strengthened, Arbaeen can play an effective role in increasing solidarity among Muslims, spreading a culture of peace, justice, and coexistence, and strengthening the position of the Islamic world in the international arena.
Source: AVA PRESS
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