“Arba’een march foils Shiaphobia”, cleric

Hujjat-ul-Islam Yahya Jahangiri, prominent international preacher of Islam dismissed Arba’een belonging only to one denomination since Shia, Sunni, Christian pilgrims are participants of the annual ceremony and highlighted the occasion as opportunity to counter Shiaphobia, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

He said,” Arba’een has turned to the Shia manifestation” hailing the massive participation of the people from across the globe in the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS).

“Participation of people from different denominations in the greatest global congregation on Imam Hussein (AS) sends the practical message of peace to the world” the cleric stressed.

“A move to put an end to Shiaphobia is the popular march of Arba’een” he said and added,” This ceremony is not confined merely to one denomination since different religious movements and followers of other Islamic denominations and religions are among participants in this ceremony.”

Hujjat-ul-Islam Jahangiri quoted the Supreme Leader recommending renewing pilgrimage to the holy city of Karbala and reviewing the philosophy of uprising by the third Shia Imam.

Arba’een is the 40^th day after martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), third Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). He rose against the tyrant ruler of his time Yazid ibn Muawiyah and ws martyred with 72 of his family members and loyal companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

The occasion has turned to a landmark in Shia Islam and millions of Muslims from across the globe head for the holy city of Karbala to pay tribute to the third Shia Imam and the great sacrifice he made for his nation.

KD