Arbaeen, also known as Chehlum, marks the 40th day after Ashura — the day when Imam Hussain (عليه السلام), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and his loyal companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH (680 CE). This day falls on the 20th of Safar in the Islamic calendar and holds profound significance in Islamic history, especially among the followers of the Ahlulbayt (عليهم السلام).
Historical Background
After the tragedy of Ashura, the surviving family members of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) — including women and children — were taken captive by the forces of Yazid. They were paraded through Kufa and Damascus in conditions of extreme hardship and humiliation.
On their return journey to Madinah, the captives stopped in Karbala exactly 40 days after Ashura. It is here that Chehlum became a symbol of steadfastness, sacrifice, and the eternal message of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام).
Spiritual Significance of Arbaeen
Arbaeen is not merely a historical remembrance — it is a living, spiritual movement. It reminds us of the timeless values that Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) stood for:
- Justice over tyranny
- Truth over falsehood
- Faith over worldly gain
- Courage in the face of oppression
The message of Arbaeen calls on every believer to rise against injustice in all forms, no matter the era or place.
The Walk to Karbala
In recent decades, millions of pilgrims from around the world walk from Najaf to Karbala during Arbaeen — a
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Arbaeen (Chehlum) – The 40th Day After Ashura (20th Safar)
Arbaeen, also known as Chehlum, marks the 40th day after Ashura — the day when Imam Hussain (عليه السلام), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and his loyal companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH (680 CE). This day falls on the 20th of Safar in the Islamic calendar and holds profound significance in Islamic history, especially among the followers of the Ahlulbayt (عليهم السلام).
While Ashura is a day of ultimate sacrifice, Arbaeen is the day of remembrance, renewal of pledge, and spiritual unity. It is the culmination of forty days of mourning, reflection, and recommitment to the mission of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام).
The Meaning of Arbaeen
The Arabic word Arbaeen simply means “forty.” In Islamic tradition, the fortieth day after the passing or martyrdom of a person is considered significant. It is a time when the mourning period reaches its conclusion, and people gather to honor the memory and legacy of the departed.
In the case of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام), this fortieth day carries unmatched weight, as it not only marks the end of the initial mourning period but also the reunion of the survivors of Karbala with the resting place of the martyrs.
Historical Context: From Karbala to Captivity
The events of Ashura unfolded in the plains of Karbala when Imam Hussain (عليه السلام), his family, and his small group of followers faced the massive army of Yazid ibn Muawiya. Refusing to pledge allegiance to an unjust ruler, Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) stood firm for the principles of truth, justice, and the preservation of the pure message of Islam.
On the day of Ashura, after a day of thirst, suffering, and intense battle, Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) and his 72 companions were martyred. The aftermath was heart-wrenching — the tents were set ablaze, the women and children were taken captive, and the heads of the martyrs were raised on spears.
The captives, including Imam Zayn al-Abideen (عليه السلام) and Sayyida Zaynab (سلام الله عليها), were first taken to Kufa, where they were humiliated before the governor Ibn Ziyad. From there, they were sent to Damascus to be presented before Yazid himself. The journey was long, filled with pain and insult, yet it became a moving testimony of patience, eloquence, and unwavering faith.
Return to Karbala – The First Arbaeen
Historical accounts suggest that on their way back to Madinah from Damascus, the caravan of the Ahlulbayt (عليهم السلام) was allowed to pass through Karbala. This occurred exactly forty days after Ashura. It was here that the survivors visited the graves of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) and his companions, mourning them and renewing their commitment to their cause.
It is also narrated that Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari, one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, arrived in Karbala on the same day. Being elderly and blind, Jabir had come from Madinah specifically to pay respects to Imam Hussain (عليه السلام). He became the first pilgrim to perform Ziyarat Arbaeen, establishing a tradition that continues to this day.
Why Forty Days?
The number forty has spiritual significance in Islamic teachings. It is mentioned repeatedly in the Qur’an and Hadith. For example:
- Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) spent forty nights in communion with Allah before receiving the Torah (Qur’an 2:51).
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received revelation at the age of forty.
- It is said that sincerity is firmly established in a believer’s heart after practicing good deeds consistently for forty days.
In the context of Arbaeen, forty days signify a complete cycle of grief and reflection, allowing the heart to transition from the initial shock of loss to a state of renewed purpose.
The Spiritual Message of Arbaeen
Arbaeen is not only a commemoration of a historical tragedy — it is a moral and spiritual movement. Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) sacrificed everything to revive the true essence of Islam. His stand was not for personal power, but for principles that transcend time and place. These include:
- Justice Over Oppression – Refusing to legitimize the rule of an unjust tyrant.
- Truth Over Falsehood – Standing firm even when falsehood is backed by power.
- Faith Over Material Gain – Choosing divine satisfaction over worldly comfort.
- Courage Over Fear – Facing overwhelming odds without compromise.
Arbaeen invites every believer to measure their own life against these values and renew their pledge to live by them.
The Arbaeen Walk – Najaf to Karbala
One of the most profound manifestations of Arbaeen is the Ziyarat walk from Najaf to Karbala in Iraq. This spiritual journey covers approximately 80 kilometers and takes about three days on foot.
Millions of people — men, women, children, elderly, and even the disabled — take part in this walk, making it the largest annual peaceful gathering in the world. Remarkably, it is not limited to Shia Muslims; people of other sects and even different religions participate, drawn by the message of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام).
Along the route, locals set up mawakib (hospitality tents) offering free food, water, tea, medical services, and places to rest. No one charges for anything; the entire journey is a living example of generosity, unity, and love for Imam Hussain (عليه السلام).
Ziyarat Arbaeen – A Testament of Loyalty
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) narrated a special supplication known as Ziyarat Arbaeen, recommended to be recited on this day. It outlines the qualities of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام), acknowledges his sacrifice, and declares disassociation from his killers.
The ziyarat contains deep theological and moral lessons, reaffirming that the mission of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) is the mission of Islam itself.
Arbaeen in the Modern World
In today’s world, where injustice, oppression, and moral compromise remain widespread, Arbaeen serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action. The principles of Karbala apply universally — whether it is standing against political tyranny, speaking truth in the face of corruption, or protecting the rights of the oppressed.
The peaceful nature of the Arbaeen pilgrimage also stands as a counter-narrative to stereotypes about Islam. Images of millions walking in unity, serving each other without discrimination, and honoring a man who stood for truth have inspired countless people globally.
Global Commemorations
While the walk to Karbala is the most prominent expression of Arbaeen, millions around the world hold gatherings, processions, and charity drives to mark the day. In countries like Iran, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, the United States, and many more, streets fill with people commemorating the legacy of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام).
These events are often accompanied by lectures, poetry recitations, noha (lamentation) gatherings, and acts of service in the name of the martyrs of Karbala.
Lessons from Arbaeen
- Resilience in Faith – Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) and his companions showed that faith is not abandoned even in the harshest trials.
- Speaking Truth to Power – Silence in the face of injustice is complicity; courage requires speaking out.
- Unity Beyond Borders – Arbaeen shows that love for truth transcends race, nationality, and creed.
- Service as Worship – The hospitality during Arbaeen reflects the Islamic teaching that serving people is a form of serving Allah.
Arbaeen and the Revival of Islam
The tragedy of Karbala could have been forgotten had it not been for the efforts of the survivors, especially Sayyida Zaynab (سلام الله عليها). Her speeches in Kufa and Damascus exposed the corruption of Yazid’s regime and kept the spirit of Hussain (عليه السلام) alive.
Arbaeen is the proof that martyrdom, when for a righteous cause, plants seeds that continue to bear fruit for generations. The blood of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) rejuvenated the soul of Islam, and Arbaeen is a yearly reminder of that revival.
Final Reflection
Arbaeen is not just a day on the calendar — it is a living covenant. It calls on believers to reject tyranny, uphold justice, and embody compassion. It is a reminder that the struggle between truth and falsehood is ongoing, and each person must choose their side.
“I only desire to spread good values and prevent corruption, in the way of my grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.” — Imam Hussain (عليه السلام)
On the 20th of Safar, as we remember the martyrs of Karbala, we renew our pledge:
To live with dignity, to serve humanity, and to never bow to injustice.
