"Ayatollah Sistani’s Arbaeen Message: Walk with Prayer, Sincerity, and Modesty"
"A Grand Ayatollah urges millions of pilgrims to honour the spirit of Arbaeen through timely prayer, pure intentions, and dignified conduct."
Karbala, PURWILAYAH.COM - As millions prepare for the sacred Arbaeen pilgrimage—one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings—Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani offered heartfelt guidance to the devoted. He emphasised three timeless virtues as central to the journey: steadfast prayer, true sincerity, and dignified modesty.
Prayer at Its Rightful Time: A Mark of the Devout
Ayatollah Sistani underscored the paramount importance of punctuality in prayer, stating that “the most beloved servant before God is one who responds most swiftly to the call to prayer.”
Drawing from Ahl al‑Bayt teachings, he reminded pilgrims that their intercession would be rejected if they belittle the significance of prayer.
He also recounted a profound historical moment: on the battlefield of Karbala, even while under attack, Imam Hussein commended a companion who reminded him of the prayer time, saying, “You reminded me of prayer—may God make you among the remembering worshippers,” before he stood up to pray.
Sincerity: The Soul of Acceptance
Reinforcing the spiritual core of the pilgrimage, Ayatollah Sistani emphasised that only deeds performed purely for the sake of God are accepted. He urged pilgrims to ensure the sincerity of their actions, far beyond mere outward expression.
Modesty: A Testament to Spiritual Dignity
The call to modesty—both in dress and behaviour—was closely linked to the sacredness of the pilgrimage. Ayatollah Sistani urged women to avoid tight-fitting clothing, unnecessary adornments, and inappropriate mingling, highlighting the importance of preserving sanctity even amid trials, as exemplified by the holy family at Karbala.
Pilgrimage in Context: A Spiritual Journey of Millions
The Arbaeen pilgrimage draws over 21 million devotees annually to Karbala, Iraq. Pilgrims typically walk about 80 km from Najaf to Karbala over several days, honouring the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and receiving free meals, shelter, and medical care from volunteers along the route.
Why It Matters
Arbaeen stands as both a deeply spiritual act of remembrance and a powerful reaffirmation of values such as discipline, purity, and humility. Ayatollah Sistani’s guidance resonates deeply, offering pilgrims a blueprint to elevate their physical journey into a fully integrated spiritual experience.
Further Reflections from the Arbaeen Journey
Awakening Through Solidarity: An envoy of Ayatollah Sistani in Europe described Arbaeen as “not merely a religious ceremony, but a global symbol of awakening, loyalty to the truth, and rejection of oppression,” encouraging pilgrims to act as “solid bricks” in upholding this sacred covenant.
A Spiritual Atmosphere Along the Path: Whether through communal prayer or charitable acts, the journey between Najaf and Karbala is filled with unmatched spiritual intensity. One Iranian qari remarked that recitations along the route carry a “special spiritual flavour” seldom experienced at other times. (PW)
Source: ABNA