The Arbaeen of Imam Husain (AS) is one of the most significant commemorative events in Islam, particularly within the Shia tradition. Marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS) in the Battle of Karbala, this occasion has evolved into a powerful symbol of faith, resistance, and spiritual renewal.
The objective of this study is to explore the status and significance of the 40th day of Imam Husain in Islamic thought and practice. It aims to uncover both the spiritual depth and the socio-political dimensions of this event, drawing on historical sources, hadith literature, and contemporary observances. Findings indicate that the Arbaeen of Imam Husain (AS) serves not only as a ritual of mourning but also as a reaffirmation of justice, truth, and unity among believers. It reinforces key Islamic values through the remembrance of sacrifice and steadfastness in the face of tyranny.
In conclusion, the Arbaeen of Imam Husain (AS) stands as a timeless institution within Islam that continues to inspire millions. It remains a living testimony to the enduring message of Karbala—a message that resonates with universal human ideals and continues to shape religious identity and community life across generations.
Historical Origins of the Arbaeen of Imam Husain (AS)
The Arbaeen of Imam Husain is a sacred and deeply revered event in the Islamic calendar, observed forty days after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH). The Arabic term “Arbaeen”, which means forty, is one of the concepts that have a special place in the Qur’an[1] and hadiths[2] [such as the hadiths of memorizing forty hadiths[3], sincerity of action for forty days[4], recitation of Dua al-‘Ahd for forty consecutive mornings[5] , and the intercession of forty believers for the deceased person[6]].
In addition, the 40th day of the birth of a baby or the death of an individual is also among such cases that are considered important among Muslims. It is on this basis that a commemoration is organized or charity is given on behalf of the deceased on the fortieth day of his/her demise.
The Arabic term Arbaeen is technically used among the Shiites to denote the fortieth day of the Day of Ashura, the day the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his Household); Imam Husain (peace be upon him) was martyred along with 72 members of his family (including an infant) and loyal Companions at Karbala on Muharram 10, 61 AH[7] (correspondent to October 10, 680). This occasion commemorates the unwavering stand of Imam Husain (AS) and his companions against tyranny and oppression, a legacy that has continued to inspire generations of believers. The forty days after Ashura symbolize not only a period of mourning but also a revival of Islamic values through remembrance and reflection.
The origin of the fortieth day [Arbaeen] visitation of Imam Husain, peace be upon him, can be traced back to 61 Hijrah, when a notable companion of the Prophet, Jābir ibn Abdullah Anṣārī arrived in Karbala from Medina on the twentieth of Ṣafar and found the graves of Imam Husain (peace be upon him) and his companions on the plains of Karbala. He was considered to be the first person to visit the place after the tragic incident on the Day of Ashura, 61 Hijrah[8].
From that moment onward, the Arbaeen of Imam Husain became a cornerstone of remembrance in the Shia tradition. It was not merely a ritual mourning but an act of preserving the message of Karbala—resistance against injustice, loyalty to divine truth, and the ultimate sacrifice for righteousness. The Arbaeen of Imam Husain (AS) thus laid the foundation for a movement that continued through generations, inspiring countless acts of devotion and solidarity with the cause of Imam Husain (AS).
Throughout history, despite periods of persecution and political suppression, the commemoration of the 40th day of Imam Husain (AS) persisted. It gradually evolved from a small gathering into a worldwide phenomenon, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy city of Karbala. Today, the Arbaeen of Imam Husain (AS) not only connects the faithful with the martyr of Karbala but also reinforces the ongoing relevance of his struggle in contemporary times.
Today, the 40th day of Imam Husain (AS) is marked by the largest peaceful human gathering in the world, as millions of people walk toward Karbala in a powerful display of love, loyalty, and solidarity. Whether observed in Iraq or various parts of the world, the Arbaeen of Imam Husain continues to symbolize spiritual resilience, communal strength, and a living connection to divine truth.
The Significance and Legacy of the Arbaeen of Imam Husain (AS)
The Arbaeen of Imam Husain is one of the most spiritually powerful and symbolically rich commemorations in the Islamic world. The 40th day of Imam Husain is not merely a historical memory but a living tradition. It is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and supported by narrations from the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (AS). Imam Hasan al-ʿAskari (A.S) famously said: “The signs of a believer are five, 51 units of prayers, visitation of Arbaeen, wearing the ring on the right hand, prostrating one’s forehead on the ground, and reciting Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Rahim, loudly in prayers[9].” This narration underscores the religious and spiritual significance of visiting the grave of Imam Husain (AS) specifically on the day of Arbaeen.
The first Arbaeen of Imam Husain was marked by the arrival of Jabir ibn ʿAbdullah al-Ansari, one of the Prophet’s companions, at the grave of Imam Husain in Karbala, where he reportedly recited salutations and wept over the tragedy[10]. This visit laid the foundation for the enduring tradition of the pilgrimage that is observed by millions today.
In contemporary times, the 40th day of Imam Husain (AS) has become the largest peaceful human gathering in the world. Each year, over twenty million people from across the globe walk toward Karbala in what is known as the Arbaeen Pilgrimage, displaying unparalleled acts of devotion, hospitality, and unity. This pilgrimage not only honors the memory of Imam Husain (AS) but also serves as a rejection of injustice and a renewal of commitment to moral and spiritual values.
The message of the 40th day of Imam Husain transcends time and place. It reminds Muslims and non-Muslims alike of the universal values embodied by Imam Husain (AS): courage, sacrifice, resistance to oppression, and unwavering faith. As scholars like Ayatollah Mutahhari have noted, the tragedy of Karbala and the Arbaeen of Imam Husain play a pivotal role in preserving the identity and consciousness of the Muslim Ummah.
Spiritual and Theological Dimensions
The Arbaeen of Imam Husain (AS) is not merely a ritualistic observance or a historical commemoration—it is a deeply spiritual and theological institution in Islam that reflects the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood, justice and oppression. The spiritual dimensions of the 40th day of Imam Husain are rooted in the Qur’anic concept of steadfastness, as exemplified by Imam Husain (AS) in Karbala, and the continued loyalty of his followers who honor his stand through remembrance and pilgrimage.
One of the most powerful theological affirmations of the 40th day of Imam Husain is found in the narration from Imam Ḥasan al-ʿAskarī (AS), who identified the visitation of Imam Husain (AS) on Arbaeen as one of the signs of a true believer[11]. This hadith establishes the 40th day of Imam Husain (AS) as an act of spiritual identity. It links the believer’s inner faith with outward action, emphasizing that loyalty to Imam Husain (AS) is a cornerstone of piety and true religious commitment.
Theologically, the Arbaeen of Imam Husain represents a reaffirmation of the wilāyah (divinely appointed guardianship) of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS). Through participation in the Ziyārah al-Arbaeen, believers declare their continued allegiance to the values Imam Husain (AS) died for—truth, sacrifice, sincerity, and resistance against ṭāghūt (oppression and illegitimate authority). As recorded in the well-known Ziyārah of Arbaeen: “I bear witness that you fulfilled the prayer, gave zakāh, enjoined good and forbade evil, and struggled in the path of Allah sincerely until death came to you.”[12]
This formula reflects the theological vision of Imam Husain (AS) as not only a martyr but as a complete embodiment of Islamic ethical and divine principles. The Arbaeen of Imam Husain thus serves as a continued invitation for the ummah to emulate these divine attributes in daily life.
Universal Lessons of Arbaeen of Imam Husain
The Arbaeen of Imam Husain carries universal lessons that transcend religious, cultural, and national boundaries. At its core, it symbolizes the triumph of truth over falsehood and the enduring power of sacrifice in the face of tyranny. The unwavering stance of Imam Husain (AS) at Karbala teaches humanity about moral courage, justice, and the responsibility to stand against oppression.
The Arbaeen of Imam Husain also highlights values such as unity, compassion, and service. During the annual pilgrimage, millions come together in peace and humility, serving one another regardless of background. This spirit of solidarity and selflessness is a model for global harmony and collective human dignity.
In essence, the 40th day of Imam Husain reminds the world that real victory lies not in power, but in principle—and that the message of Karbala remains a guiding light for all who seek truth and justice.
Conclusion
The Arbaeen of Imam Husain stands as a timeless expression of loyalty to truth, justice, and divine principles. It is not merely a ritual of mourning but a global movement of spiritual renewal and moral awakening. By remembering the sacrifice of Imam Husain (AS), believers are reminded of their duty to uphold justice, defend the oppressed, and remain steadfast in faith.
The Arbaeen of Imam Husain continues to unite millions of people from diverse backgrounds, creating a powerful sense of solidarity and purpose. Its message transcends sectarian and national boundaries, offering universal lessons for all of humanity. As a symbol of resistance against tyranny and a call to live with dignity and faith, Arbaeen remains deeply relevant in both personal and collective life.
Notes:
[1] . Qur’an 2: 51; 5:26; 7: 142; 46:15.
[2] . Majlisi, 1982: vol. 2, p. 156, Hadith 10; Kulayni, 1986: vol. 1, p. 49, Hadith 7
[3] . Majlisi, 1982: vol. 2, p. 156, Hadith 10; Kulayni, 1986: vol. 1, p. 49, Hadith 7
[4] . Kulayni, 1986: vol. 2, 16, Hadith 6.
[5] . Majlisi, 1982: vol. 99, p. 111.
[6] . Ibn Ḥajjāj Nishābūri, n.d: vol. 2, 655, Hadith 948.
[7] . cf: Shaykh Mufid, n.d: pp. 336-340
[8] . Ṭūsī, Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan (1991). Miṣbāḥ al-Mujtahid, p. 787
[9] . Ṭūsī, Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan (1986). Tahdhīb al-Aḥkām vol. 6, p. 52; Ṭūsī, Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan (1991). Miṣbāḥ al-Mujtahid, p. 787; Ibn Tawus, Ali ibn Musa (2017). Iqbāl al-A’māl, vol. 1, p. 110.
[10] . Ibn Qulawayh, Kāmil al-Ziyārāt, p. 268.
[11] . Ṭūsī, Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan (1986). Tahdhīb al-Aḥkām vol. 6, p. 52; Ṭūsī, Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan (1991). Miṣbāḥ al-Mujtahid, p. 787; Ibn Tawus, Ali ibn Musa (2017). Iqbāl al-A’māl, vol. 1, p. 110.
[12] . Ibn Qulawayh, Kāmil al-Ziyārāt, p. 273.
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