Hawzah News Agency- This year's Arbaeen must be viewed beyond its religious dimension, extending into an experience of empathy, popular participation, and faith-based cohesion that has, once again, demonstrated the immense depth of Shia social capital, blessed by the name and memory of Imam Hussein (PBUH).
The procession comes on the heels of the funeral of the Revolution's martyred leader, which saw an unprecedented mass turnout across various Iranian and Iraqi cities. That historic gathering, one of the largest popular assemblies in modern history, placed millions of people side by side, transcending ethnic, sectarian, and geographical differences, and producing a powerful display of voluntary participation and collective belonging.
The continuation of this spirit into this year's Arbaeen indicates that greater efforts must be made to strengthen and develop the social capital of the Shia faithful and devotees of the Ahl al-Bayt, and the broader Islamic faith community, by harnessing all artistic, media, cultural, and social capacities.
A Prime Opportunity to Strengthen Social Bonds
This perspective was echoed by Mohsen Nasri, a sociologist and university lecturer. "When a society undergoes a massive emotional and collective experience like the funeral of the Revolution's martyred leader, a portion of its social capital is reinforced," he stated. "Arbaeen 2026 is the first major event following that moment, and it is natural that many people view these two experiences as a continuum, as both are built on voluntary public presence, a sense of belonging, and civic participation."
He added that this shared experience can contribute to sustaining social trust and strengthening bonds among the people, a phenomenon more visible in rituals like Arbaeen than anywhere else.
Arbaeen: A Full-Fledged Social Phenomenon
Emphasizing that Arbaeen should not be considered merely a religious rite, Nasri argued that from a social science perspective, it is a full-fledged social phenomenon. "Millions of people, without compulsion or expectation of personal gain, participate in an expansive network of trust, cooperation, and mutual assistance," he noted.
He observed that this very characteristic has turned Arbaeen into one of the most significant arenas for the reproduction of social capital and the reinforcement of social ties. "At a time when modern societies are grappling with individualism, declining social interaction, and cultural fragmentation more than ever, experiences such as the immense and magnificent Arbaeen gathering can strengthen the sense of collective belonging and rebuild public trust."
A Display of Unity Beyond Borders
Nasri further highlighted the transnational function of Arbaeen as one of its most critical features. "The presence of millions of pilgrims from various countries, the cooperation of the Iraqi people in hosting them, and the participation of popular groups of different nationalities have transformed this ritual into one of the greatest manifestations of transnational solidarity in the Islamic world," he said.
"To the dismay of the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT), Arbaeen has crossed geographical borders and become a platform for building a network of human connections between different nations. This feature distinguishes it from many religious gatherings worldwide and grants Arbaeen a role beyond religious rites—a role that can contribute to strengthening the cultural and social capital and solidarity among the nations of the region."
Arbaeen: A Turning Point in the Dissemination of Truth
Hojatoleslam Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, a seminary author and researcher, noted that among all the visitations Shias perform for the Ahl al-Bayt throughout the year, Arbaeen holds a unique position. "Beyond the massive crowds attending the Arbaeen pilgrimage, it is essential to recognize that Arbaeen is not merely a visitation. It is a roadmap for all truth-seekers of the world who wish to walk the path of felicity in this world and the Hereafter."
He added that Arbaeen is not merely the commemoration of a historical event, but rather the revival of a historical movement. "If Ashura was the explosion point of truth, Arbaeen is the pivotal turning point in its dissemination," he stated.
He elaborated: "This is why we firmly believe that if Imam Sajjad (PBUH) and Lady Zainab (PBUH) carried the message of Karbala from the killing fields to Damascus and Medina, today, millions of pilgrims are continuing that same path on foot to declare that the mission of elucidating the sermons of Imam Sajjad and Lady Zainab still rests upon their shoulders, and they are walking this luminous path to clarify the truth."
The Greatest Exercise in Ummah-Building Today
In his concluding remarks, Hojatoleslam Mousavi Hasab asserted that Arbaeen does not belong exclusively to Shias, although they are its standard-bearers. "Arbaeen is the greatest exercise and maneuver in Ummah-building in the modern world. It is a practice in transcending the boundaries of geography, race, language, and nationality. Perhaps that is why every year, more nations join this great, human-nurturing river," he said.
He concluded: "On this basis, the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (PBUH) must be described as the greatest and most important civilizational asset of the Islamic world—an asset built not on force or compulsion, but on affection and love."
Report by Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Mousavi
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