Iran embassy appreciates Iraq for hospitality extended to Arbaeen pilgrims

Tehran, IRNA – Iran’s embassy in Iraq acknowledged hospitality extended by the neighboring country to the pilgrims who visited there for Arbaeen procession, the 40th day of martyrdom of Imam Hussain (PBUH). In the statement issued on Saturday evening (September 17), the Iranian embassy expressed appreciation to the Iraqi nation and government, religious authorities, officials, anti-terrorist forces, Iranian Red Crescent Society, border guards, journalists, reporters and all who provided the pilgrims with services during the Arbaeen procession. According to some reports, over 21 million pilgrims visited the Iraqi holy city of Karbala for Arbaeen. Earlier, Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi announced in an interview that the pilgrims were provided with good services in all borders. Arbaeen which fell on September 17 this year is a mourning occasion observed by Shia Muslims worldwide, marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (PBUH) – the third Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Millions of Shia Muslims from across the world walk tens of kilometers to get to the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (PBUH) in Karbala on Arbaeen Day. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish