Arbaeen 1438

What is it?

The largest peace pilgrimage in the world, held annually

Held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura

Pilgrims make their journey from Najaf to Karbala on foot

The journey is approximately 83 km (approx. 52 miles) via شارع حي النصر‎ and Route 9

Who can participate?

Ali Moamen, Academic and former director of Al Najaf Satellite TV Channel, said:

“What is interesting about this human crowd is that all society segments take part in it. Despite its religious character, nonreligious people also participate in it, in addition to illiterates and holders of high academic degrees, and ordinary people and leaders of the country.”

Preparing yourself physically & mentally

If you work a ‘desk-job’, switch to a standing desk and take frequent walks. Overall, the walk is not the hard part, it’s all the emotions you go through, the stories that manifest in front of you that is the hardest

Make a list of things you are grateful for and a list of duas that you want to pray for. Ask your friends and family

Watch documentaries about Arbaeen. Khozema and I watched them after our trip to Dar-es-Salaam leading up to our flight for Arbaeen. Though they are emotionally draining it the only thing that emotionally prepares you

There are numbered poles that help you see how far you’ve gone, and how far you must go. Don’t obsess over them. It will distract you from your purpose/journey

What to pack in your backpack

Prayer mat

Small hafti; YaSeen, Ya Syeda Shohadai, Fulkul Hussain

Small lightweight hand towel

Change of underwear & socks

2 plastic bags for dirty clothes and shoes

Candies/sweets for yourself, kids, friends

Medicine: Tylenol, Tiger balm (or equivalent), wet wipes, personal preferred/needed medicines

If travelling in the winter: a woolen cape/hoodie/shawl

How to plan your walk

Please note that this is what Khozema, the couple we walked with and I used as a guide

Stop for Zohr Asr

Take an afternoon nap

Continue walking

Stop and rest before Maghreb Isha

Pray Maghreb Isha

Grab Dinner & continue walking

Stop and rest; remember to elevate your legs

Wake up; do wazu, walk through the late night early morning

Stop for Fajr

Continue walking

Grab lunch, sit and eat before Zawaal

Courtesy & etiquette during your walk

People along the walk believe that they are doing Khidmat of Imam Hussain (AS). By refusing their food/drink offerings, you are refusing their khidmat and is heartbreaking for them

Mawkibs are sponsored by people or homes that people have opened-up for people along the walk, be respectful towards the hosts

Don’t forget why you are there, for your journey in memory of what upholds Islam, stop for your prayers, be mindful during wudhu and mindful in your prayers…you’ll find it healing

Walk with a buddy or more. I recommend you walk with your significant other or a close family/friend

When resting, place a rolled blanket under your ankles to elevate your legs and give your feet some relief

Personal Reflections

The Epitome of Humanity People are awake in hopes of serving people along their journey to Imam Hussain (AS) 24h a day Kids will run to you to when you stop to sit and rest because they want to massage your legs and give you relief There are people in the bathroom who are willing to help you wash your feet for wudhuu when your legs are stiff from walking

The Embodiment of Mohabbat You’ll see people pushing baby-stollers, wheel chairs or on crutches during your journey which will make you feel so warm There are those who walk barefoot which make you feel inspired There are people who carry tree trunks taller than themselves in their bare hands which make you feel humbled The hardest is when you see those walking on their hands and knees There are those who do what they can by simply bending every few steps to pick up any nails, rocks and trash from the road so that those who are following will not be hurt

A Refuge from Dunyah When you look around and realize that the sacrifice made by Imam Hussain (AS) and Ahle-Bait bore fruit and that you’re part of it



Our Trip Organizer

Our trip organizer was Rehana Najmi from Najmi Travels. Visit her site, make your commitment to go, and please remember us in your duas.

photos along the way…