Arbaeen: A Lifestyle Centered Around Imam Hussein
This way of life embraces a divine framework comprising pure values, transcending various aspects of human existence.
Arbaeen can be viewed as a symbol of believers' revival of power; The concept of power holds significance in social, theological, and natural sciences. However, its prominence in the realm of political science poses a vital question: how can the Islamic Ummah demonstrate its strength, with a focus on Ahl al-Bayt (AS)?
While some associate power primarily with military might and defensive capabilities, others argue that a nation's power lies in its population size, governance, and territorial expanse. Nonetheless, the quality of leadership, governance, and the people themselves hold greater sway. Over the past two decades, Arbaeen has evolved from a personal act of worship into a collective, societal worship, showcasing its empowering influence.
During Arbaeen, we witness a remarkable, well-organized, unifying, capacity-building, and purpose-driven movement where all participants converge along the axis of Ahl al-Bayt (AS). This procession revolves around the pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (AS), serving as its focal point.
Imam Hadi (AS) shed light on a significant aspect of the pilgrimage, noting that pilgrims not only seek proximity to the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) out of love and friendship but also part ways with their enemies. Consequently, we've witnessed millions mobilizing in a display of collective strength during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Arbaeen stands out for hosting the world's most densely populated gathering within a defined period, a spectacle unparalleled in different historical epochs. This universal dimension, coupled with unwavering loyalty, declarations of support for Ahl al-Bayt, and animosity towards adversaries, is a phenomenon unparalleled across various religious and ideological orientations. This extraordinary glory is wholly attributed to the grand Arbaeen procession.
In essence, Arbaeen is not confined to mere religious observance but represents a comprehensive way of life rooted in the teachings of Imam Hussein (AS). It encompasses politics, ethics, science, and knowledge, holding the potential to reshape the contemporary world order and pave the way for the awaited divine government, expediting the rule of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his advent) with divine grace and assistance.
This article was excerpted from remarks made by Hojat-ol-Islam Mohammad Baqer Pur-Amini, a university lecturer, at a conference about Arbaeen.
