Hawzah News Agency- Hojatoleslam Torkashvand addressed inquiries regarding the dedication of the Arbaeen procession to Imam Hussein (PBUH). He noted that two primary viewpoints exist among scholars.
"One group maintains that Arbaeen is exclusively a hallmark of Imam Hussein (PBUH), as there is no credible, documented evidence in narrative sources of Arbaeen ceremonies being held for other Imams. This very fact indicates that Arbaeen, as a defining symbol of the Ashura uprising, is solely reserved for the Master of Martyrs," he stated.
He added that a second perspective holds that the principle of a 40th-day commemoration is not exclusive. According to this view, while the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage for Imam Hussein has persisted and received special emphasis from Shias, the 40th-day mourning rites for other Imams were historically held only in the first year following their martyrdom.
The seminary's research deputy suggested a reconciliation between these views, clarifying: "Performing the Arbaeen pilgrimage for Imam Hussein (PBUH) is a legally prescribed, highly recommended religious act. However, holding a fortieth-day commemoration for other Imams or individuals, while religiously permissible, cannot be categorized as a canonical recommended act holding the same elevated status as the Arbaeen pilgrimage to Imam Hussein (PBUH)."
Four Wisdoms Behind the Dedication of Arbaeen to Imam Hussein (PBUH)
1) Solid Narrative Foundations
Hojatoleslam Torkashvand pointed to the robust narrative backing as the first reason for this exclusivity. The words, actions, and tacit approvals of the Infallible Imams all substantiate its legitimacy and desirability.
He elaborated that in terms of the "word of the Infallible," the authentic narration of Imam Sadiq (PBUH) instructing Safwan al-Jammal to recite the Arbaeen pilgrimage, along with the famous narration by Imam Hasan al-Askari (PBUH) identifying the Arbaeen visitation as one of the five signs of a believer, serve as primary narrative proofs. Regarding the "action of the Infallible," the historical arrival of the Ahl al-Bayt in Karbala on Arbaeen, their visitation of the graves of the Ashura martyrs, and the reunification of the sacred head of Imam Hussein (PBUH) with his holy body by Imam Sajjad (PBUH) are considered crucial evidence.
As for "tacit approval," the pilgrimage of Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, the great companion of the Prophet, accompanied by Atiyya al-Awfi as the first visitors to Karbala, was met with the endorsement of Imam Sajjad (PBUH), confirming the tradition.
2) Commemorating Unparalleled Sacrifice
The second wisdom, he noted, is honoring the unique sacrifice of Imam Hussein (PBUH). "The Imam endured hardships and calamities in reviving the divine faith that no other prophet or Imam faced with such breadth and severity. The special recommendations from the Imams regarding Arbaeen can thus be seen as a veneration of this immense sacrifice—a sacrifice that ensured the survival of pure Muhammadan Islam."
3) Arbaeen: A Symbol of Fighting Tyranny
The third philosophy, Hojatoleslam Torkashvand stated, is keeping alive the spirit of anti-oppression and the fight against despotic rule. In the intense climate of repression following Ashura, Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari leveraged his social standing to stand against the Yazidi regime by traveling to Karbala.
"This historic act sparked the revival of the culture of pilgrimage, a declaration of love for the Ahl al-Bayt, and a proclamation of dissociation from injustice. The continuation of the Arbaeen pilgrimage throughout history signifies the immortalization of the spirit of resistance, justice-seeking, and the struggle against global arrogance for the Islamic Ummah and all free people of the world."
4) Preserving the Unmatched Status of the Ashura Epic
The deputy research head concluded by noting that safeguarding the prominence of the Ashura epic is the fourth wisdom. "Ashura is an exceptional, unparalleled event in human history. Dedicating the Arbaeen commemoration solely to the Master of Martyrs preserves the magnificence, identity, and prominence of this historical movement, preventing its unique status from being diminished in the historical memory of the Islamic Ummah."
Your Comment