Despite COVID-19, political crisis, Iraqi Shiites march on Karbala
Shiites across southern and central Iraq are marching to Karbala for Arbaeen.
The commemoration of Arbaeen in Iraq was different this year due to the unique circumstances of the pandemic and political conflict.
Shiites across the world commemorate Imam Hussein's martyrdom on Oct. 8. They gather in Iraq, marching from various cities toward Karbala, where the holy Shrine of Imam Hussein is located. Non-Iraqi Shiites were not able to attend Arbaeen this year due to travel bans adopted by Iraq and other countries.
Top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali Sistani has taken the opportunity to cleanse Arbaeen of politicization by politicians and neighboring countries, which often promote their political agendas during the march.
Sistani established an organization called “Maukib al-Atabatain,” led by prominent Shiite cleric Ayatollah Sayyed Ahmed Eshkevari, to train clerics to accompany the pilgrimages and prevent political exploitation.
