Arbaeen

What Is Arbaeen?

Arbaeen is a central religious observance for Shia Muslims worldwide, marking the 40th day after Ashura. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions at the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE). The term “Arbaeen” itself means “forty” in Arabic.

This observance symbolises the culmination of a 40-day period of mourning, which is a traditional duration for expressing grief and remembrance in various cultures, including some Islamic traditions. It serves as a powerful reminder of the historical events at Karbala and the principles of justice, sacrifice, and resistance.

For many Shia Muslims, Arbaeen is a reaffirmation of their commitment to Husayn’s ideals and a demonstration of solidarity. It is considered one of the largest annual religious pilgrimages globally, drawing millions of people to the city of Karbala in Iraq.

History and Origins of Arbaeen

The historical foundation of Arbaeen lies in the tragic events of Muharram in 61 AH, when Husayn ibn Ali, along with his family and companions, was martyred by the Umayyad caliph Yazid I’s forces in Karbala. This event is profoundly significant in Shia Islam, representing a stand against tyranny and injustice.

The observance of the 40th day, or “Chehlum” in some traditions, is rooted in the narrative that Husayn’s surviving family members, after their release from imprisonment in Damascus, returned to Karbala on the 20th of Safar. There, they reportedly held ceremonies of mourning at the graves of the martyrs. This historical journey is often attributed to Zaynab bint Ali and Ali ibn Husayn (Zayn al-Abidin).

Over centuries, the commemoration of Arbaeen evolved into a significant pilgrimage and mourning ritual. It gained particular prominence and scale in the modern era, especially after the overthrow of the Ba’athist regime in Iraq, which had previously restricted such large-scale public observances. The pilgrimage’s growth underscores its deep cultural and religious importance within Shia communities.

How Arbaeen Is Celebrated

Arbaeen is primarily celebrated through a massive pilgrimage to the shrine of Husayn ibn Ali in Karbala, Iraq. Millions of Shia Muslims travel to the city, with a significant proportion undertaking the journey on foot from various starting points, most notably from the city of Najaf, where Ali ibn Abi Talib is buried. This extensive walk is known as the Arbaeen Walk or Arbaeen March.

Observances in Iraq

In Iraq, the pilgrimage to Karbala is the central feature of Arbaeen. Along the routes leading to Karbala, volunteers set up “mawkibs” (temporary rest stops or tents) to provide free food, drink, accommodation, and medical services to pilgrims. These services are offered as an act of devotion and hospitality, reflecting the community’s generosity and solidarity. The atmosphere is one of collective mourning, remembrance, and communal support. Pilgrims engage in various forms of lamentation, including self-flagellation (though less common among many contemporary pilgrims), reciting elegies (latmiyat), and listening to sermons that recount the events of Karbala and their contemporary relevance.

Observances Globally

While the pilgrimage to Karbala is unique, Shia communities around the world observe Arbaeen with various commemorative events. In countries such as Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and the United Kingdom, processions are held, often featuring black banners, symbolic representations of the Karbala tragedy, and recitations of elegies. Gatherings in mosques and Hussainiyas (Shia congregational halls) are common, where sermons are delivered, and mourning rituals are performed. These observances aim to foster a sense of collective remembrance and reinforce the values associated with Husayn’s sacrifice, even for those unable to undertake the journey to Karbala.

When Is Arbaeen?

Arbaeen falls on the 20th day of Safar, the second month of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar. This date is precisely 40 days after Ashura, which occurs on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

As the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, its months are based on the cycles of the moon. Consequently, the dates of Islamic observances, including Arbaeen, shift approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year when compared to the Gregorian calendar. There is no variation in the date of Arbaeen across different countries in terms of the Islamic calendar date (20th Safar). However, slight differences in the sighting of the new moon can sometimes lead to a one-day variation in the corresponding Gregorian date between different regions or Islamic communities.

Arbaeen Key Facts