This year, after a two-year hiatus due to the outbreak of the Covi-19 virus in the world, the pilgrimage rituals of Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (a.s.) are being held with a great reception of Iranians. According to the statistics of Arbaeen Central Headquarters, from the beginning of the month of Safar (August 29) until now (September 11, 2022), about 2,600,000 pilgrims have entered the territory of Iraq from the borders of Iran to participate in this religious ritual, of which 650,000 people are returning to Iran.
Hojat al-Islam Mohammadreza Ahmadi, university professor and cultural activist, wrote the following article from the pillar 1000 of Najaf-Karbala Road known as “Ya Hussain” road.
**The path to paradise**
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By: Mohammad Reza Ahmadi
September 11, 2022
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Every year, as the Arbaeen anniversary of Imam Hussain (a.s.) approaches, the fever of traveling to Karbala and Najaf and participating in the Great Walk captivates the lovers of Imam Hussain (a.s.).
Everyone tries in any way to reach the crowd of the enthusiasts of Arbaeen.
On the other hand, the hosts of this route are waiting for the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s.) throughout the year to share in the spiritual reward of the Arbaeen pilgrimage by serving pilgrims without expectations.
I don’t know how many million pilgrims go from Najaf to Karbala on foot.
But these millions of pilgrims do not pay anything for food (free food),
They do not pay for water and drinks (free),
They do not pay for fruit and drinks,
They do not pay for a place to rest and sleep,
They even eat and drink more than their own home.
Above all, the respect pilgrims receive here is extraordinary,
The service you see here is unique.
People are rushing towards Karbala,
As if they have lost something, and they have been given the address of Karbala.
They walk and walk to find their lost.
The heat that has been in their hearts has become more flaming than ever these days.
This love is divine, and if it was non-divine it would have been extinguished by now.
Where did all this love, devotion and beauty really come from?
None of the photos, videos, clips, etc. can portray the event of the Arbaeen Walk. If anyone can portray the divine paradise, he can also imagine this heavenly path.
This is the path to paradise, and those who travel it, take a step on the way of their mental and spiritual evolution, as they pass the pillars until they reach the central point (Imam Hussain’s shrine),
The pillars of selfishness,
The pillars of ignorance,
The pillars of hatred,
The pillars greed,
The pillars of sacrifice pillars, etc.,
As Imam Hussain (a.s.) went beyond his “self” and reached “God”.
Oh Hussein, accept us!