The annual Arbaeen pilgrimage has drawn millions of Shiite Muslims to Karbala, Iraq, amid ongoing regional tensions. This significant religious event occurs 40 days following Ashoura, which memorializes the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, during the historical Battle of Karbala in 680 A.D.
Massive Attendance Despite Regional Strain
This year, more than 22 million individuals, including around 5 million visitors from outside Iraq, participated in the gathering. Karbala’s governor, Nasseif Jassim al-Khattabi, confirmed these figures, highlighting the pilgrimage’s status as one of the largest annual religious assemblies in the world. However, the atmosphere was tinged with concerns about the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, which has put Iraq in a precarious position, balancing its relationships with both Washington and Tehran.
Among the notable attendees was Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Najaf before proceeding to Karbala. His presence underscored Iraq’s delicate diplomacy, as the nation aims to navigate the complexities of its geopolitical environment without being drawn deeper into conflict. While Iranian pilgrims were particularly prominent, observers noted a stark decline in attendees from other countries, likely due to the escalating regional tensions.
Impact of Geopolitical Tensions on Pilgrims
The visibility of Iranian flags along the Najaf-Karbala route was a striking indication of the pilgrimage’s changing dynamics. Local pilgrims like Aqeel al-Rubaie remarked on the noticeable absence of flags representing other Arab or foreign nations, attributing this to the effects of ongoing conflicts in the region. Fellow pilgrim Hassan al-Sarai echoed this sentiment, noting the overwhelming Iranian presence both along the roads and within the city of Karbala.
As pilgrims made their way to Karbala, volunteers lined the routes to provide essential services such as food, water, and medical assistance. However, this year’s pilgrimage occurs against a backdrop of economic instability in Iraq. The country relies heavily on oil exports—over 90% of state revenues come from this sector—and disruptions, particularly those related to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have placed additional stress on the economy.
Iraq’s Challenges in Disarming Militias
Amid the religious observance, Iraq faces the significant challenge of disarming its multitude of militias, many of which are aligned with Iran. Notably, Kataib Hezbollah, a prominent Iran-backed group, declared its determination to retain what it calls the “weapons of the resistance,” outright rejecting calls for disarmament. This stance complicates the Iraqi government’s efforts to achieve stability and neutralize militia dominance in its political landscape.
While many Shiites in Iran were unable to travel to Karbala, they held their observances, often interlacing their mourning with political undertones. In Tehran, crowds rallied along a route to a holy shrine, calling for retaliation against perceived aggressors, particularly following the killing of key figures in the ongoing conflict with the U.S. and its allies. Such gatherings marked a shift where religious sentiment seamlessly merged with political expression, indicating the prevailing atmosphere of tension throughout the region.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, while a profound spiritual journey for millions, operates within a larger narrative of conflict, resilience, and the quest for safety amidst geopolitical upheaval, highlighting the complexities that shape the lives of those who seek solace in faith.