Pilgrims Begin Forty Day Trek to Karbala - Iraq

The forty-day walking festival from Ras Al-Bisha to Karbala. Iraqi pilgrims begin the symbolic Arbaeen journey from Ras Al-Bisha, located in southern Iraq, to the holy city of Karbala. Captured on July 18, 2025, this ritual marks the start of the 40-day spiritual trek ahead of Arbaeen, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Devotees commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Along the way, participants receive food, water, and shelter from volunteers at service tents (mawakib), demonstrating hospitality and religious solidarity. Many of the pilgrims walk hundreds of kilometers, bearing flags and religious symbols, chanting, and praying, enduring the scorching summer heat as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. The journey reflects a deeply rooted tradition of devotion and resilience in Shiite Muslim culture. Photo by Samer Al Husseini/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

• Product Code
• ILEA004614031

• Registered date
• 2025/7/18 00:00:00

• Credit
• Abaca Press / Kyodo News Images

• Media source
• Middle East Images/ABACA

• Media size
• 5896 × 3931 pixel

• Resolution
• 72 dpi

• Deployment size
• 2.75(MB)*

• Special instruction

*File size when opened in Photoshop, etc.