Saturday, 13th December 2014 marked the day of Arba’een , 40 days after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a).  This year, as in recent past years, millions turned up to pay their respects to the holy Imam (a) in Kerbala, most of them undertaking the journey on foot as a sign of love and loyalty to the cause of the Ahlul Bayt (a).

Despite the security threat, the crowds were undeterred in their determination to mourn and commemorate this event. 17.5 million pilgrims are estimated to have arrived from within and outside of Iraq, some walking from as far as Basra for an average 12 days to reach Kerbala.

Tens of thousands of security forces were in place while thousands of volunteers and mawakeb lined the streets to serve the blessed guests.  

The communal spirit of giving, sharing and serving amongst these lovers of the Ahlul Bayt (a) is unmatched worldwide. From the youngest to the oldest, every Shia wanted to do what he or she was capable of in the name of Imam Husayn (a).

It is this same energy that The World Federation aims to nurture within the members of its community. Regardless of the time of year or the place, we would like to see ‘every day be Ashura and every land be Kerbala’.

You can be part of this tradition of selfless service in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (s) and his Holy Family (a) by contributing whatever you are able to and as often as you can to the various projects and programs that we run worldwide. 

Together, we can help those who love Imam Husayn (a) and keep the spirit of Arba’een fresh all year around. To contribute your gift, write to us at [email protected] or click here.