Grand Ayatollah Ja’far Sobhani has called on scholars and religious preachers participating in the Arbaeen season to present an accurate and relevant explanation of the teachings of Ashura, the culture of pilgrimage and the enduring message of Imam Hussain’s (a) uprising.
In a message issued at the beginning of the Arbaeen season, the senior Shia authority said the global gathering should be used to explain the truths of Islam and highlight the exceptional qualities of Imam Hussain (a) and the martyrs of Karbala.
He said the martyrs, by embracing sacrifice, strengthened the cause of human freedom and immortalised the Hussaini principle of “Never to Humiliation” in the history of humanity.
Grand Ayatollah Sobhani stressed that religious discourse during Arbaeen must be rooted in reliable sources, including the Holy Qur’an, the definitive Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (s), and the authentic teachings of the Ahlulbayt (a).
He also underlined the importance of conduct in religious propagation, saying that the practical example of the Ahlulbayt (a) teaches believers to invite others through their behaviour before their words.
“A successful missionary is one whose ethics, dignity, politeness, humility, patience, good manners and respect are his best tools of propagation,” he said.
The senior scholar urged preachers to connect the insight and objectives of the Ashura movement with the needs of contemporary society and the wider Islamic world.
He said an effective preacher must understand both the history and aims of the Hussaini movement and possess the ability to explain its timeless message to people facing modern challenges.
Grand Ayatollah Sobhani also called for greater emphasis on explaining the philosophy and spiritual effects of visiting the sacred shrines of the Infallibles (a).
He said pilgrimage increases understanding of the teachings and way of life of the Ahlulbayt (a), renews the believer’s covenant with Wilayah and strengthens faith, spirituality and moral responsibility.
Pilgrims should also be introduced to the rich content of the transmitted supplications, he said, describing these sacred texts as a comprehensive school of knowledge, ethics, guardianship, spiritual training and self-purification.
The scholar further urged pilgrims to observe the proper etiquette of ziyarat, including respecting the rights of others, maintaining order and showing courtesy towards shrine workers, residents and fellow visitors.
He particularly stressed the importance of patience and discipline when entering and leaving the holy shrines during periods of heavy congestion.
Grand Ayatollah Sobhani concluded his message by expressing gratitude to the Iraqi people for their extraordinary hospitality and service to millions of Arbaeen pilgrims.
He thanked Iraq’s tribes, government, scholars, religious figures and shrine officials for their tireless efforts in facilitating the vast pilgrimage to Karbala.
“The enthusiastic presence of the Iraqi people in serving the pilgrims of the Master of Martyrs (a) is a manifestation of faith, Islamic brotherhood and the unbreakable bond between the two great nations of Iran and Iraq,” he said.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, centred on the shrine of Imam Hussain (a) in Karbala, has become one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world, drawing millions who renew their allegiance to the values of sacrifice, justice and resistance embodied by the martyrs of Ashura.
