Speaking exclusively to Hawzah News Agency while present in the holy city of Najaf during the Arbaeen commemoration, Hojatoleslam Abedi Najafi said: "The Ahl al-Bayt, the Household of Purity and Infallibility (peace be upon them), are the fountainhead of guidance for all of humanity, and among this luminous household, Imam Hussein (PBUH) holds a special station. It is for this reason that millions of devotees from across the globe make their way to Karbala with love and devotion."
He added: "Arbaeen is commonly interpreted solely as the pilgrimage to Imam Hussein (PBUH), but the reality extends far beyond this. In the divine system of propagating the faith, just as men have played a role, women too have had a fundamental and decisive share. If it were said that Arbaeen is the fulfillment of Lady Zainab's (PBUH) promise to Imam Sajjad (PBUH)—the promise in which she declared that one day this land would become a place of pilgrimage for the lovers of Imam Hussein (PBUH) from all over the world—it would be a fitting and accurate statement. Therefore, Arbaeen, in addition to being a visitation to the Master of Martyrs (PBUH), is also a reminder of the message, patience, and great mission of Lady Zainab (PBUH)."
The head of the Al-Baqi Organization highlighted the unparalleled displays of affection along the Arbaeen path, stating: "In this immense gathering, people from diverse nationalities, languages, and cultures stand shoulder to shoulder, filled with a spirit of love and fraternity. The Iraqi people open the doors of their homes to pilgrims, themselves resting outside while offering their best provisions to the guests of Imam Hussein (PBUH). Although these individuals may not have known one another beforehand, love for Imam Hussein (PBUH) has transformed them into members of a single family. This is a practical manifestation of the teachings of the Holy Quran and the pure Islamic culture."
He continued: "Arbaeen is the largest annual gathering of humanity—a congregation in which millions take part, yet despite this massive assembly, order, security, mutual respect, and a spirit of service are observed at the highest levels, with each person considering service to the pilgrims as an honor."
Hojatoleslam Abedi Najafi stressed: "The core message of Arbaeen is that one should set aside all personal attachments and devote their love solely to God and His divine saints. Whoever loves Imam Hussein (PBUH) has, in truth, stepped onto the path of divine love. Arbaeen is the practical interpretation of affection for the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them)—a truth that, more than being describable, must be felt with the heart."
Referring to the massive presence of pilgrims in Iraq's holy cities, he said: "These days, Najaf, Kadhimiya, Samarra, and holy Karbala are overflowing with pilgrims, and this scene is one of the signs of divine majesty and the eternal love of the people for the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them)."
The Al-Baqi Organization chief also criticized the performance of international media, stating: "Despite Arbaeen being the largest annual gathering in the world, global media do not cover it as it deserves. If even a small fraction of such a gathering were to take place anywhere else in the world, it would receive extensive media coverage. However, the ignoring of the multimillion-strong Arbaeen congregation is a sign of the injustice and biased approach of certain media outlets."
He concluded by thanking Hawzah News Agency for its extensive coverage of Arbaeen and for amplifying the voice of the oppressed and the message of the Hussaini movement, expressing hope that this media outlet would continue to play a role in introducing the culture of Ashura, the message of Arbaeen, and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) to the world.
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