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• 13 Muharram 1448

The Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority in Europe Prays for the Visitors of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him), Asking God to Accept Their Pilgrimage and Return Them Safely to Their Homes, and States:
The Arba'een pilgrimage, attended by millions, is an event of immense significance that deserves serious attention and study. Yet, we observe that the global media largely ignores it in a manner that raises serious

questions.
The responsibility of preserving the Arba'een pilgrimage and conveying its sublime message to the entire world rests upon us—the followers of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them)—each according to his or her ability and capacity.

Every year, on the twentieth day of Safar, the Islamic world witnesses the largest annual gathering of faith during the Arba'een pilgrimage of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him). Millions of pilgrims from across the globe journey on foot toward the holy city of Karbala to visit the shrine of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him), the grandson of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), and the reviver of Islam through one of the greatest religious and humanitarian epics in human history.
Despite the enormous scale of this event and its profound spiritual, social, and political dimensions, this magnificent gathering receives far less media attention than it deserves. Indeed, many international media outlets and Western intellectual and cultural circles virtually ignore it, while artistic events, sporting competitions, and even relatively trivial issues often receive far greater coverage. What lies behind this disparity? Several factors may be identified.

First: The Arba'een pilgrimage is not merely a silent religious procession.** Rather, it is a profound expression of loyalty to the values and principles embodied by Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him), whose stand represented an uncompromising challenge against oppression, corruption, and tyranny. At its core, the pilgrimage expresses rejection of injustice, deviation from the authentic Muhammadan Islam, and the manipulation of religion for political ends. Consequently, oppressive regimes and unjust governments naturally view such a movement with unease, for it awakens the conscience of the Muslim nation and revives its spirit of reform. It is therefore unsurprising that efforts are made to minimize or obscure its significance in the media, as it challenges the passive version of Islam that some seek to promote in contrast to the vibrant, dignified, and principled Islam represented by Imam al-Husayn.
When Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) rose, he did not seek political power nor worldly authority. Rather, he declared his immortal mission:
Indeed, I have risen only to seek reform within the nation of my grandfather.
This enduring proclamation continues to unsettle tyrants because it reminds nations of their ability to liberate themselves from oppression. Hence, silencing the voice of al-Husayn remains a recurring objective, even when disguised as mere indifference.

Second: Cultural ignorance and psychological bias toward Shi'ism.
Western culture—as well as certain other cultures—often suffers from a profound lack of understanding regarding the foundations of Shi'a thought or has been exposed to systematic misrepresentations of it. Consequently, many approach everything associated with Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) and his pilgrimage with preconceived reservations.
Alongside this ignorance exists an underlying bias whereby Shi'ism is frequently and unjustly associated with extremism, violence, or sectarianism due to hostile media campaigns or isolated and sometimes fabricated incidents. In such an environment, it is only natural that little attention is given to the most beautiful manifestation of Shi'a Islam: the love of Imam al-Husayn expressed through millions walking peacefully toward Karbala, demonstrating unparalleled examples of cooperation, altruism, sacrifice, generosity, and hospitality.
Had such a phenomenon emerged from a Western cultural background—or even from a non-Islamic Eastern tradition—it would likely have inspired hundreds of documentaries, philosophical analyses, and academic studies. Yet because it belongs to the Shi'a school, it remains overlooked by segments of the global media.

Third: Internal shortcomings and weak global outreach.
This responsibility rests upon us, as followers of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). To a significant extent, the message of Arba'een has remained confined within its religious and popular circles and has not been presented to the wider world through the modern means it deserves. High-quality documentaries, targeted media campaigns, and international academic conferences capable of engaging scholars, researchers, and intellectuals from around the world have not been sufficiently utilized.
More than two years ago, we addressed those responsible for such matters, urging the organization of an international conference dedicated to Arba'een that would invite media organizations and relevant institutions to cover this extraordinary event. We even expressed our willingness to contribute toward part of the project's expenses. Although the proposal was welcomed in principle, the practical response has remained limited. Nevertheless, we hope such efforts will continue, for we possess an inexhaustible spiritual, humanitarian, and civilizational treasure whose rights we have not yet fully fulfilled.
If presented through the universal language of humanity rather than through the narrow lens of sectarianism, the sight of millions walking toward Karbala would astonish the world. What is needed is not merely eloquent sermons or elegies, but a translation of this phenomenon into the language of universal human conscience.

Fourth: The contemporary media and cultural landscape has undergone a dangerous inversion of values.
Today's world increasingly elevates triviality while marginalizing truly significant causes. That which deserves little admiration is celebrated loudly, while that which deserves the highest respect is neglected.
Media audiences witness extravagant coverage of singing competitions, football matches, and entertainment events, while the largest annual religious gathering of the modern era remains largely absent from global headlines simply because it does not serve—or conform to—the consumerist lifestyle promoted by dominant Western media structures.
The Arba'een pilgrimage embodies simplicity, self-sacrifice, generosity, asceticism, and a return to authentic moral values. These ideals directly challenge the prevailing materialistic and capitalist worldview. Consequently, media systems that often promote an image of the self-centered, pleasure-seeking individual have little interest in highlighting the model of a person who willingly endures hardship out of love for his Imam and serves others sincerely for the sake of God.
The responsibility of preserving the authenticity of the Arba'een pilgrimage in the face of these challenges falls upon scholars, intellectuals, educators, preachers, eulogists, and all pilgrims. This noble responsibility requires:
* Renewing the discourse surrounding the pilgrimage by connecting it to the principles of Imam al-Husayn's revolution and emphasizing its reformist, ethical, and theological dimensions rather than limiting it to seasonal emotional expression.
* Stressing the universal character of Arba'een, demonstrating that it is not confined to a particular sect, denomination, or religion, but rather constitutes a comprehensive humanitarian message capable of touching the conscience of every free person when presented appropriately.
* Participating consciously in the pilgrimage by adhering to exemplary conduct, respecting laws, maintaining cleanliness, observing discipline, and treating others with kindness, so that the pilgrimage becomes a practical embodiment of authentic Muhammadan Islam, in accordance with the recommendations of the Supreme Religious Authority to the visitors of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him).
* Producing high-quality media materials that accurately portray the depth, history, and objectives of the pilgrimage and communicate its significance to international audiences using appropriate and effective methods. The Imam Husayn Holy Shrine and Al-Abbas Holy Shrine are particularly well positioned to undertake this responsibility due to their financial capabilities, media resources, and qualified personnel.

In conclusion, the Arba'een pilgrimage is not merely a popular procession. It is a continuously renewed spiritual and educational project and an open message to humanity affirming that truth never dies—it ultimately prevails. Therefore, regardless of how numerous the attempts at distortion and misrepresentation may become, they will never extinguish the light of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him). They do, however, place upon us a greater obligation to be more aware, more sincere in our loyalty, and more vigilant in protecting this sacred movement from being emptied of its true meaning.
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said regarding the visitor of Imam al-Husayn:
"Whoever visits al-Husayn while recognizing his rightful status is as though he has visited Allah upon His Throne."
Can we then allow such an immense divine blessing to be diminished through distortion or neglect? Or should we all rise to preserve this heavenly gift and convey it to the world exactly as Allah, His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), and Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) intended?
Finally, we pray to Almighty Allah to accept the pilgrimage of all the visitors of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him), to return them safely and blessedly to their homelands, and to grant them success in conveying the sublime message of Imam al-Husayn to all humanity.
"And say, 'Work, for Allah will see your deeds, and so will His Messenger and the believers.'" (Qur'an 9:105)