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• 9 Safar 1447

Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority in Europe Offers Prayers for the Pilgrims of Imam Husayn (P) for the Acceptance of Their Pilgrimage and Their Safe and Blessed Return, and he states:
• The Arba'een pilgrimage, with its millions of participants, is a momentous global event that deserves serious attention and coverage—yet we observe a troubling and deliberate neglect by the global media.
• The responsibility to preserve the Arba'een pilgrimage and convey its noble message to the world lies with us—the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (P)—each according to their capacity and effort.

Each year, on the 20th of Safar, the Islamic world witnesses the largest annual faith-based gathering in the Arba'een pilgrimage of Imam Husayn (P). Millions of pilgrims walk on foot from across the globe toward the holy city of Karbala, heading to the shrine of the grandson of the Prophet (P), the reviver of Islam, in the most profound religious-human epic history has known.
Despite the enormity of this event and its spiritual, social, and even political dimensions, this majestic gathering of millions receives little to no appropriate attention from global media outlets. Many international media channels and Western intellectual or cultural institutions virtually ignore it—while musical festivals, sporting events, or peripheral topics enjoy far greater and broader coverage.
Why is this the case? Here Are a highlight on a few contributing factors:

1. It is an expression of deep loyalty to the values and principles of Imam Husayn (P)
The Arba'een Pilgrimage is Not Merely a Silent Religious March, it is an expression of deep loyalty to the values and principles of Imam Husayn (P), who stood firmly against tyranny, corruption, and authoritarianism. At its core, this pilgrimage is a declaration of rejection—of injustice, deviation from authentic Muhammadan Islam, and religious distortion. That is why oppressive regimes and unjust governments view such a movement with unease—it awakens the conscience of the Ummah and revives its spirit. Naturally, efforts are made to suppress its visibility, because it threatens the narrative of a submissive, docile Islam that they seek to promote in contrast to the dignified and principled Islam of Husayn (P). Imam Husayn (P) did not rise seeking power or domination. He declared: “Indeed, I did not rise except to seek reform in the nation of my grandfather.”
This eternal cry continues to disturb oppressors, as it reminds the people of their power to liberate themselves. Thus, silencing the voice of Husayn (P) becomes a recurring objective.

2. Cultural Ignorance and Deep-Rooted Bias Toward Shia Islam
The Western cultural sphere—and some others—suffer from near-total ignorance of Shia thought, or worse, from systematic distortion. This leads to a prejudiced reluctance toward everything associated with Imam Husayn (P) and his pilgrimage. In addition to this ignorance, there exists a latent bias toward the Shia tradition, often falsely equated in Western perception with extremism, violence, or sectarianism—due to malicious media campaigns or isolated, sometimes fabricated, events. It is therefore unsurprising that this most beautiful expression of Shia identity—walking peacefully toward Imam Husayn (P) in a demonstration of unity, cooperation, altruism, and generosity—is ignored. Had such a phenomenon originated from a Western or non-Islamic culture, we would likely see hundreds of documentaries, philosophical analyses, and in-depth articles. But because it is tied to the Shia school of thought, many global media platforms choose to overlook it.

3. Internal Shortcomings and Weak Global Outreach
This is a shortcoming on our part—as followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (P)—in presenting the Arba'een pilgrimage to the world as it truly deserves to be known. The message of Arba'een remains, for the most part, confined within religious and popular circles, and we have failed to leverage modern tools—such as compelling documentaries, targeted campaigns, and academic conferences that could attract international scholars and media professionals. More than two years ago, we addressed concerned parties encouraging them to organize a global conference to showcase the Arba'een event, inviting media institutions and covering part of the project's expenses. While the idea was well received, implementation was weak. Nevertheless, we reaffirm the importance of such efforts. We are dealing with a civilizational, spiritual, and humanitarian treasure that remains underappreciated.
Had these millions of pilgrims been portrayed through the lens of universal human values, rather than sectarian labels, they would have astonished the world. What is needed is someone to translate their march into the language of global conscience, not only the voice of the pulpit or reciter.

4. A Global Cultural Shift Against Foundational Values
The world today, especially through the media and cultural establishment, is experiencing a dangerous inversion of values: Frivolity is elevated to the level of sanctity, Profound causes are marginalized, and That which deserves respect is sidelined, while what does not is glorified. The mainstream media revels in singing contests, football matches, and entertainment spectacles, while the largest religious gathering of the century goes unnoticed—simply because it does not align with the consumerist lifestyle promoted by dominant Western systems.
The Arba'een pilgrimage, by promoting asceticism, selflessness, and a return to values, directly challenges the capitalist-materialist model of life. That system—which prefers to promote an image of the self-indulgent, hedonistic human—cannot embrace the image of a person who walks out of love for his Imam and serves others for the sake of God.
As responsibility in preserving the authenticity of Arba’een, this burden falls upon the shoulders of scholars, intellectuals, preachers, poets, and the pilgrims themselves—a heavy responsibility to preserve the sanctity of this ritual through the following means:
• Reviving the message of the pilgrimage by connecting it to the core principles of Imam Husayn’s (P) revolution, focusing on its reformative and theological essence, rather than limiting it to emotional expressions.
• Emphasizing the universal dimension of Arba'een—it is not exclusive to any sect, school, or religion. It is a universal human message that touches the conscience of every free soul when presented appropriately.
• Participating in the pilgrimage with awareness, through good conduct, cleanliness, adherence to laws, and respectful engagement with others—making the pilgrimage a living embodiment of true Islam, as repeatedly emphasized by the Supreme Religious Authority.
• Producing high-quality media content that highlights the depth, history, and objectives of the pilgrimage—communicated through effective methods to attract global attention. The administrations of the Holy Shrines of Husayn (P) and al-Abbas (P) are among the best positioned to undertake this, given their financial and media capabilities and qualified staff.


In conclusion, the Arba'een pilgrimage is not merely a popular procession; it is a continually renewed image, a long-term spiritual and educational project, and an open message to all of humanity that truth does not die—it prevails.
No matter how many distortions or campaigns of erasure are launched, they will never extinguish the light of Husayn (P). But they compel us to be more aware, more loyal, and more vigilant to protect this sacred tradition from being emptied of its essence.
Imam al-Sadiq (P) said regarding the pilgrim: “Whoever visits Husayn, knowing his right, is as one who has visited God on His Throne.” So can we allow such a sublime virtue to be lost to distortion or neglect? Or shall we all rise together to carry this divine blessing and convey it to the world as God, His Messenger (P), and the Ahl al-Bayt (P) intended?
We pray to the Almighty to accept the pilgrimage of the visitors, return them safely and successfully to their homes, and grant them success in conveying the noble message of Imam Husayn (P).
“Say: Act! For God will see your deeds, and so will His Messenger and the believers.” [Qur’an 9:105]