Hawzah News Agency – Hojatoleslam Seyyed Abdulfattah Navvab, the Representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader for Hajj and Pilgrimage Affairs, has described this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage as a powerful manifestation of the Islamic Ummah's unwavering loyalty to the martyred leader, stating that the historic march was held in its most splendid form despite enemy efforts to erase his name and legacy.
Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of his Arbaeen mission—which included overseeing services for pilgrims, meeting with the custodians of holy shrines, scholars, and grand religious authorities in Iraq, and inspecting mourning processions—Navvab declared that the event had transcended all expectations.
"We thank Almighty God for granting the beloved Iranian nation the success to maintain both their presence in the squares and streets at home and their glorious presence at the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (AS)—this unique phenomenon of our era," Navvab stated. "This was a phenomenon to which the martyred leader attached special importance and consistently emphasized must be held with dignity. This year, the ceremony was conducted in the best possible manner."
A Sea of Mourners, From Iran to Karbala
Hojatoleslam Navvab described how popular programs, both in Islamic Iran and in Najaf, Karbala, and along the pilgrimage route, were carried out with extraordinary fervor. "At night, it was as if the people, punctually fulfilling their duty to be present on the scene, gathered in front of mourning processions with boundless energy, carrying flags, chanting slogans, and keeping alive the very same programs that were held in Islamic Iran," he recounted.
He paid particular tribute to the Iraqi people, emphasizing that their role extended far beyond mere hospitality. "The Iraqi people, who had also spared no effort in the funeral of the martyred leader, actively participated in these epic programs. In some events, Iraqi brothers stood shoulder to shoulder with Iranian pilgrims, joining in the flag processions and attending these valuable programs with special dedication."
The First Arbaeen Without the Physical Presence of the Martyred Leader
The Supreme Leader's representative noted the profound emotional significance of this year's gathering. "This was the first year that Arbaeen was held without the physical presence of the martyred leader, though his lofty spirit, his guidelines, and the leadership of this martyred son were present and observing in all these programs."
He continued: "The people of Islamic Iran performed the pilgrimage on his behalf, seeking his remembrance and blood-vengeance. In various programs, his ethics, his conduct, his guidelines, and the lessons he had imparted were constantly spoken of, and valuable insights were conveyed to the people."
The Enemy's Failed Erasure Campaign
Navvab highlighted a crucial development that distinguished this year's Arbaeen from previous years. "One point that must be noted this year compared to the past is that the enemy did not want the name of the martyred Imam to be on people's tongues, but God protects His light. This year, his name, his memory, and his words resonated more vibrantly, more massively, and more widely than ever before in the friendly and neighboring country of Iraq, and people recalled him with affection and reverence."
He drew a parallel to the broader regional struggle: "Just as the enemy wanted the name of the child-killing Zionist regime to be elevated in the world, the people of the world instead trampled upon the flag of this child-killing regime and criminal America and raised the flag of Palestine—which they sought to consign to oblivion—high above their hands. Year after year, the defeat of the camp of disbelief grows, and the camp of Islam and the camp of Truth advances, so that, God willing, other arenas of the world will also be illuminated by the light of righteousness, and a world free of oppression will be shaped for all humanity."
Pilgrimage on Behalf of the Martyred Leader and the Fallen
Referencing the Supreme Leader's directive, Hojatoleslam Navvab confirmed: "As per the guidance of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution, pilgrimage was performed on behalf of the martyred leader. In addition, pilgrimage was conducted in memory of the martyrs of the first, second, and third imposed wars, as well as those who held the squares and streets. Speakers also emphasized this matter, and the people themselves, with insight and awareness, paid attention to this and carried out these programs with sincerity."
Iraqi Response to the World: 'He Was the Leader of the Entire Islamic Ummah'
In concluding, Hojatoleslam Navvab expressed profound gratitude to the Iraqi people for both their epic participation in the funeral of the martyred leader and their generous service to Arbaeen pilgrims. "The Iraqi people, in all fairness, spared no effort," he said. "It was even reported that some foreign governments asked them why they had accorded such respect and reverence to the leader of another country. Their response was: 'He—the martyred Imam Khamenei—was the leader of the Islamic Ummah and the beloved of the free people of the world.'"
This statement, Navvab noted, demonstrates the depth of affection and the bond between Muslim nations and the lofty station of Wilayah and leadership within the Islamic Ummah and among the free-spirited people of the world.
Your Comment