Speaking to Hawzah News Agency while walking the pilgrimage route from Najaf to Karbala, the Mumbai-based cleric characterized Arbaeen as far more than a religious ritual, calling it the greatest cultural, educational, and humanitarian movement in the Islamic world.
"Arbaeen is not merely a mourning ceremony," Javadi stated. "This monumental gathering presents a unique opportunity to re-examine the human relationship with God, the Ahl al-Bayt, society, and all of humanity. Arbaeen teaches us how to embody faith, insight, responsibility, and service to others in the very fabric of our lives."
Arbaeen: A Message of Insight, Awareness, and Responsibility
The religious scholar highlighted that the foremost lesson of Arbaeen is living a life grounded in understanding and awareness. "Imam Hussein (PBUH) taught humanity that faith cannot reach its perfection without knowledge, consciousness, a sense of responsibility, and readiness for sacrifice. The Arbaeen walk is, therefore, not simply a physical journey but a spiritual pilgrimage of self-development, self-reflection, and re-examining the purpose of life itself."
From Najaf to Karbala: A Practical University of Ethics
Javadi described the route between the two holy cities as a "practical university of ethics," adding that pilgrims along this path observe concepts such as patience, order, sacrifice, service, brotherhood, tolerance, and respect for others—not in textbooks, but woven into the lives and conduct of the people themselves.
"The presence of millions of pilgrims from diverse nations, languages, and cultures moving together toward a common goal is a living testament to the universality of Islamic teachings and the school of Ahl al-Bayt—a scene that displays unity, empathy, and human equality in its most beautiful form," he noted.
Love for Imam Hussein: The Only Measure of Distinction
Javadi underscored that the path of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) is not confined to history, stating, "Arbaeen has shown the world that the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt still possess the power to guide contemporary humanity. In this immense gathering, no ethnicity, language, or nation holds superiority over another. The sole measure is love for Imam Hussein (PBUH) , sincerity in service, and striving to assist one's fellow human beings."
Arbaeen: A Model for Educating the Younger Generation
Addressing the younger generation as the primary audience of Arbaeen's message, the scholar remarked that today's world faces challenges of intellectual confusion, rampant materialism, and moral crises. "In such circumstances, Arbaeen can acquaint young people with the true purpose of life, social responsibility, religious identity, and the necessity of character building."
"If the youth properly comprehend the genuine message of Arbaeen, they can become agents of positive transformation in society and ambassadors of human and Islamic values," he added.
Arbaeen: A Platform for Dialogue, Outreach, and Islamic Unity
Javadi pointed to Arbaeen as an extraordinary opportunity for Islamic outreach and propagation of religious teachings. "At this gathering of millions, pilgrims from different countries meet one another, share their experiences, and engage in dialogue on issues facing the Islamic world. This extensive interaction lays the groundwork for strengthening intellectual, cultural, and spiritual bonds among Muslims and represents a valuable opportunity to introduce the culture of Ashura and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt to the world."
Media's Responsibility to Convey the True Message of Arbaeen
Noting the growing influence of media and cyberspace in shaping public opinion, Javadi stated, "Today's world is more interconnected than ever, thanks to mass media and social networks. Therefore, delivering the authentic message of Arbaeen to global public opinion is a shared responsibility resting upon all Muslims, thinkers, preachers, and media activists."
"We must demonstrate to the world that the great gathering of Arbaeen is not a symbol of hatred, violence, or extremism, but rather the greatest manifestation of love, peace, sacrifice, empathy, service to humanity, and respect for human dignity—a culture that brings millions of people together without any worldly expectation," he stressed.
Karbala: The Everlasting Banner of Justice-Seeking
Emphasizing the universal and timeless nature of the Ashura movement, the Indian preacher said, "Wherever oppression, discrimination, exploitation, and violations of human rights exist, the message of Karbala will remain alive and inspiring. Imam Hussein (PBUH) did not rise for any specific group or nation; he raised the banner of truth, justice, and human dignity for all of humanity."
"Arbaeen teaches all free people of the world that silence in the face of oppression and injustice is incompatible with the spirit of humanity and a civilized society, and that taking responsibility for the fate of fellow human beings is among the most important lessons of the Hussaini school," Javadi added.
Carrying the Message of Arbaeen into Daily Life
The religious scholar addressed pilgrims directly, stressing that this spiritual journey must not be limited to performing the pilgrimage and attending Arbaeen ceremonies alone. "Its fruits and blessings must become visible in all dimensions of individual and social life."
"If, after returning home, pilgrims strengthen honesty, trustworthiness, good character, servitude to God, service to the people, and social responsibility more than before, and if these values become manifest in their families, communities, and daily conduct, then it can be said that the true message of Arbaeen has been realized within them and that this great act of worship has borne its fruit," he explained.
Javadi concluded by praying for the pilgrims of Imam Hussein (PBUH), saying, "I beseech Almighty God to accept the pilgrimage of all visitors, to strengthen unity, empathy, and brotherhood among the Islamic Ummah, to grant victory to the oppressed of the world, and to keep us all steadfast on the luminous path of the Ahl al-Bayt so that we may convey the universal and eternal message of Imam Hussein to the farthest corners of the globe."
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