The English researcher and writer (Dr. Chris Hewer) shares with us the following dialogue for Karbala International Agency about the subject of the Arbain Pilgrimage , its resonance and the participation of millions in its revival on foot. The Arbain Pilgrimage , which documents a pivotal era in Islamic history, is one of the largest peaceful human gatherings. With its values of solidarity and transient human principles, it has been able to continue with the human march and influence it. However, this holy event associated with the martyrdom of the grandson of the Seal of the Prophets, Imam Hussein bin Ali (peace be upon him), is still absent from some societies for many reasons, which necessitates introducing it and educating about its importance. - Let us get to know you more, Doctor, and then delve into the details of the dialogue.
- My name is Dr. Chris Hewer, I am a Christian and a student of Islamic studies for forty years, I studied Christianity and then Islam, and my job is to teach people about these two religions
- What motivates people to make this long and arduous pilgrimage?
- All the things we see when we look at the Arbain pilgrimage prompt us to ask about the principles that Imam Hussein and his companions followed, and how can we benefit from these principles and lessons in the societies in which we live? We know that Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) stood on this day of Ashura for justice, so what does this justice look like? And how do we see its impact in the Arbain pilgrimage? For example, we see the spirit of participation, poor people who are financially unable take the initiative to give and spend whatever they can, from buying water and giving the visitors, and medical professionals come from all over to participate in caring for the visitors, and mechanics also come to repair the visitors' belongings and wheelchairs for the disabled and children and other humanitarian activities. From all these services, the idea emerges of what the world would look like if it followed the principles and values of Imam Hussein and the principles on which he was raised? Here we see the principles of mercy, justice and others, people from different parts of the world, and different beliefs, people who do not believe in anything, but are attracted to these values. And if we think that justice, equality and the things we notice here are above all considerations, where smiles rise on people's faces, and love fills people's hearts, where the love of Imam Hussein in turn brings love to all people, and the love of people brings peace among humanity, so we see justice, equality and peace spread in the atmosphere of the Arbain Pilgrimage . The journey to Karbala has its challenges and humanitarian situations. Describe them to us.
- The most difficult challenges that visitors may face are walking long distances, as they need a lot of water under the blazing sun, umbrellas to protect them from the intense heat, food, rest, and also a common determination, as there is a great spirit among them to move forward.. People in wheelchairs, crutches, the elderly, and people injured in previous events in their human lives struggle on the way and help each other