Based on Islamic references, the Karbala tragedy was sparked after Imam Hussein refused to pay allegiance to Yazid, because the caliph did not practice Islam as taught by Prophet Mohammad. Imam Hussein is a highly venerated figure not only among Shias but also Sunni Muslims. Even some groups of Iraqi Christians join the march to Karbala.
Arba’een, meaning “the fortieth” in Arabic, is observed 40 days after Ashura, the tenth day of the lunar calendar month of Muharram, when Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred along with dozens of his companions at the hands of the tyrant of the time, Yazid . The occasion, known as the world’s largest annual Muslim pilgrimage.
Imam Hussein is a highly venerated figure not only among Shias but also Sunni Muslims. Even some groups of Iraqi Christians join the march to Karbala. Millions of people gather each year and march towards the holy shrine of Imam Hossein (PBUH). The pilgrimage is considered as a symbol of purification and an effort for establishment of justice and divine values. In recent years, alongside the Shia Muslims, a large number of Sunni Muslims can be seen taking part in the Arabeen ceremony. With mass participation in Arbaeen, the believers and faithful people pledge that they will continue to follow the path of justice.
Imam Khomeini once advised that, “Keep alive Karbala and the blessed name of His Holiness the Doyen of the Martyrs. His memorial and sacrifices have kept alive Islam.” Imam Khomeini’s disciples who used to accompany Imam during his exile in the holy city of Najaf say that his eldest son who himself was a great Muslim scholar and interpreter of holy Quran, used to walk and paved the way between the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala on foot with great devotion along groups of mourners on the eve of Arba’een. The great leader of contemporary Muslim world also emphasized that the Islamic Revolution had been deeply inspired by message of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the grandson of the holy prophet of Islam. The massive gatherings on Ashura and Arbaeen occasion in Karbala had been a prediction of Imam Khomeini which became true.