Arbaeen is a symbol of the transboundary unity of the Islamic Ummah and steadfastness against oppression

Sheikh Adel Turki, the head of the "Unity Forum for Social Cooperation" charity association, in an interview with the Taghrib News Agency (TNA), referring to the coincidence of the funeral of the martyred leader with this year's Arbaeen ceremonies, described this convergence as carrying deep spiritual and symbolic messages, and emphasized that Arbaeen can be a manifestation of the unity of the Islamic Ummah, popular solidarity, and adherence to the values of resistance and justice. The full text of this interview follows:

How do you assess the coincidence of the funeral of the martyred leader with this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage, and what messages does this connection between Ashura and the path of that martyr carry?

The coincidence of the funeral of the martyred leader with this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage carries deep symbolic and spiritual meanings for many participants, as it brings together two events that, in the public conscience, are linked to values such as sacrifice, loyalty, and adherence to principles.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage recalls the conduct of Imam Hussein (AS) as a symbol of patience, reform, and the fight against oppression, and the funeral of the martyred leader, from the perspective of his supporters, is considered an opportunity to renew loyalty to his path and his sacrifices.

This coincidence shows that the values people draw from Ashura are still present in their consciousness and behavior, and the commemoration of figures who, in their view, have sacrificed for their ideals, is framed within the emphasis on the continuity of responsibility and adherence to principles.

This scene is also a manifestation of popular and spiritual solidarity, where grief and loyalty intertwine, and both occasions become a platform for emphasizing unity, solidarity, and patience.

Can the widespread presence of the people at the funeral ceremony be considered a practical embodiment of the slogan of Islamic unity? How can Arbaeen pilgrims convey this message to the Islamic world?

Yes, the scene of the funeral carries concepts of unity and solidarity for its participants. Arbaeen pilgrims can also convey this message to the Islamic world by highlighting values such as coexistence, mutual respect, and service to humanity, and present a civilizational image of Islam.

What impact does the coincidence of the funeral with the Arbaeen pilgrimage have on strengthening the Resistance Axis and confronting the Zionist regime and America?

Supporters of the Resistance Axis believe that this coincidence can strengthen the spirit of resistance and steadfastness, and emphasize the continuity of the path of resilience and stability.

This event can also convey the message that pressures and assassinations cannot stop this path; however, the extent and dimensions of its impact will ultimately depend on the field and political developments in the region.

Has the scene of the funeral in Karbala once again revived the concept of the "Islamic Ummah beyond borders"? What is the role of media and elites in strengthening this awareness?

Yes, this scene showed that the Islamic Ummah, despite differences in borders and geographies, can come together around its great issues and ideals.

Media and elites also bear an important responsibility in consolidating this awareness, and must, by strengthening the discourse of unity and awareness, stand against efforts to create division among Muslims.

What is the message of the Arbaeen pilgrimage for young Muslims in the face of contemporary intellectual and cultural challenges?

The message of Arbaeen for the youth is adherence to values and principles, possessing awareness and insight, and confronting intellectual and cultural challenges through knowledge, ethics, and dialogue.

At the same time, the young Muslim must preserve their authentic Islamic identity and behave with awareness and rationality in the face of contemporary intellectual and cultural challenges.

Can the Arbaeen pilgrimage, with its million-strong presence, convey the message of resistance and the continuation of the movement of Imam Hussein (AS) and the values of confronting oppression?

The Arbaeen pilgrimage, with millions of pilgrims from different nationalities gathering around shared values, is an example of the unity of the Ummah and can demonstrate spiritual support for the resistance.

This gathering also conveys the message of resilience and steadfastness to the enemies: that this unity cannot be easily broken, and the will of nations can stand against efforts to weaken them.

How can the Arbaeen pilgrimage serve as a model of the unity of the Islamic Ummah in supporting the resistance, and what message does it have for the enemies?

For many participants, the Arbaeen pilgrimage is a manifestation of popular and transboundary unity around shared values, and supporters of the resistance consider it a sign of spiritual support for this approach.

This gathering also carries the message that the will and unity of nations can stand against pressures and challenges.

How can the civilizational and revolutionary dimensions of the Arbaeen pilgrimage be utilized in service to the resistance project? Can Arbaeen be a model for the movement needed by the Islamic Ummah?

For many participants, the Arbaeen pilgrimage has manifestations of civilizational and spiritual dimensions based on solidarity, cooperation, peace, and justice.

These capacities can be used to strengthen social awareness and create an ethical and inclusive discourse – a discourse that supports just issues and causes through cultural and peaceful paths.

From this perspective, Arbaeen can be an inspiring model for reform and a movement based on religious and human values.

How can the Arbaeen pilgrimage institutionalize the culture of resistance in future generations and transform it into a civilizational project and a movement appropriate to the challenges of the era?

The Arbaeen pilgrimage, by highlighting its spiritual and civilizational dimensions, can play a role in institutionalizing the culture of resistance in future generations, especially through promoting values such as solidarity, cooperation, patience, and resilience.

These values can become a factor for raising social awareness and forming an ethical and intellectual discourse in support of just causes, while at the same time strengthening religious identity and adherence to principles.

Arbaeen can also serve as an inspiring framework for a dynamic movement and civilizational project – a project based on religious and human values, while at the same time aligning itself with the intellectual, cultural, and political challenges of the new era.