Usually on foot, for about 20 days, the pilgrims trek hundreds of kilometres from cities around Iraq and Iran to the holy city of Karbala where they commemorate the death in battle of Imam Hussein.
Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and son of Imam Ali, was killed in 680 AD on the plains of Karbala in a battle against the forces of the Caliph Yazid, whose ascendancy to the caliphate was contested.
To mark the 40th day of mourning for Hussein – the traditional mourning period – the pilgrims arrive in Karbala to pay tribute at his shrine, which is surrounded by millions on the final day of Arbaeen.
Along the route, volunteers set up stations to provide the pilgrims with food, water and shelter while people from the villages along the way keep their doors open to anyone who needs a place to stop.
Many pilgrims opt to walk 80km (50 miles) from the nearby city of Najaf, where Imam Ali, Hussein’s father, is buried, to Karbala.
Those who make the trip from distant cities, like Mashhad in Iran – 2,600km (1,600 miles) away – opt to drive.
Chehlum Arbaeen Date 2023
Arbaeen or Chehlum is observed on the 20th day of Safar. In the Arabic language, Arba’ein means forty and, the event falls after the 40 days of Ashura (10 Muharram). Hazrat Imam Hussain (Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him), the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him), was martyred on Ashura. Muslims worldwide observe Chehlum or Arbaeen Date 2023 as a mourning day and pay tribute to the martyrs of Karbala.
Each year, millions of Muslims visit the shrine of Hazrat Imam Hussain (Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him) Karbala, Iraq to do Ziyarat Arbaeen. However, the Arbaeen Walk or Pilgrimage is regarded among the largest yearly public gatherings. People from different backgrounds and age groups including women and children do long walk from Basra or Najaf to Karbala. The Iraqi Government and private organizations make arrangements during Chehlum or Arbaeen Date 2023 for the pilgrims and provide them with all necessary facilities.
Besides Iraq, Muslims living in other countries including Pakistan observe the day with high religious enthusiasm. Majalis and processions are organized in different cities of the country. Ulemas give sermons regarding the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him) and his companions for the sake of Islam. Muslims also offer Nawafil prayers and do good deeds to please Allah on that day.
Chehlum Arbaeen 2023 Date in Pakistan
The expected Chehlum 2023 date in Pakistan is also September 07 (Thursday).
Chehlum Arbaeen 2023 Date in Iraq
The expected Arbaeen 2023 date in Iraq and other Arab countries is September 06 (Wednesday).
On this page, you can get information about the expected dates related to the Chehlum or Arbaeen 2023 in Pakistan and other countries. Islamic dates depend on the final decision regarding the Ruet e Hilal or moon sighting. You can also visit the Hijri or Islamic Calendar 2023 to view the expected dates of other Islamic events.
