Iran Press/ Africa: Men, women, and children all dress in black attire, chanting mourning slogans and explaining the plights of the Karbala massacre, holding placards and flags that read "Oh ya Hussein, we will never forget what happened at Karbala," Karbala teaches bravery, sacrifice, Justice and love of God. "
In an interview with Iran Press News Agency, the secretary of Majmah Ahlul Bayt Muhammed Kabir explained the importance of Arbaeen processions.
"The Arbaeen is the commemoration of what happened forty days after Karbala. The household of the Holy prophets who were taken as captives after the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossein (AS) were taken from Karbala to Kufa, then to Syria, then from Syria back to Karbala, so on the fortieth day, they returned from Syria to Karbala to pay homage to Imam Hussein (AS) before they went back to Medina where they were initially residing.
"The Arbaeen trek has historical events and religious precedence in Islam.
One of the great Companion of the Holy Prophet (S), Jabir Bin Abdullahi al-Ansari, was the first person, weak, aged, and blind, who trekked barefoot with the help of a guide to where the body of Imam Husain (AS) was buried in Karbala to pay his respect to Imam Hussain (AS).
"Another is the tradition, that is one of the hadith of Ahlul bayt which says that one of the signs of a believer he should observe the ziyara of Arbaeen which is a sign of faith to be seen commemorating this foutieth day after the demise of Imam Hussein (AS)."
Memuna Sadat Banda, who also takes part in the Arbaeen procession, explains how sad she was on a day like this when some people killed the grandson of Rasulullah (S).
"whenever it's a day like this, we remember that and remember also other Muslims and what happened to them on that day, Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S) cried and was very sad for this day, so it is mandatory for every Muslim to show concern on this day. That is why we are out today to show the Prophet (S) we love him, we follow what he says and follow his Ahlul Bayt".
Historically, Arbaeen marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at Karbala in current-day Iraq.
Millions march to Karbala annually for the commemoration.
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