The Arba’een Walk is a significant pilgrimage undertaken by millions worldwide, marking the 40th day (Arba’een) after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Pilgrims walk from Najaf to Karbala, covering approximately 80 kilometers, to pay homage to Imam Hussain and his enduring message of resistance against oppression. This journey stands as a testament to devotion, solidarity, and the unyielding spirit of justice.
The Inspiration of Imam Hussain
The procession commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was martyred on the 10th of Muharram in 680 CE during the Battle of Karbala. Facing the forces of Caliph Yazid—whose claim to leadership was widely contested—Hussain and his loyal companions, including family members, endured immense suffering. Denied water for days, they ultimately sacrificed their lives rather than submit to injustice.
Through this tragic yet heroic act of sacrifice, Imam Hussain achieved a moral victory. His death catalysed revolutionary change and contributed to the eventual downfall of Yazid’s tyrannical rule. Hussain’s unwavering commitment to his principles has left a profound legacy, inspiring millions around the world. His stand symbolises the eternal struggle for justice, truth, and human dignity. The Battle of Karbala continues to impact Islamic consciousness and has inspired generations to uphold the principles of courage, faith, and resistance against tyranny.
Why Imam Hussain Was Persecuted
Imam Hussain’s persecution stemmed from his refusal to legitimise the rule of Yazid ibn Muawiya, whose leadership represented a departure from the core Islamic values of justice, equality, and morality. Yazid’s governance was marked by tyranny, corruption, and oppression. By demanding public allegiance (bay’ah) from Hussain, Yazid sought to gain religious credibility for his illegitimate rule.
Hussain refused to give allegiance to Yazid, stating that a corrupt and unjust ruler could not be recognised by true followers of Islam. His defiance was not driven by a thirst for power, but by a profound sense of duty to preserve the moral and spiritual in-tegrity of the faith. In standing against Yazid’s tyranny, Hussain upheld the principles of justice, truth, and human dignity—even at the cost of his own life and the lives of his family and companions.
Through this tragic yet heroic act of sacrifice, Imam Hussain achieved a moral victory. His death catalysed revolutionary change and contributed to the eventual downfall of Yazid’s tyrannical rule. Hussain’s unwavering commitment to his principles has left a profound legacy, inspiring millions around the world. His stand symbolises the eternal struggle for justice, truth, and human dignity. The Battle of Karbala continues to impact Islamic consciousness and has inspired generations to uphold the principles of courage, faith, and resistance against tyranny.
A Legacy That Inspired Global Leaders
Throughout history, Imam Hussain’s story has inspired many great figures. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Indian Nation, famously remarked, “I learnt from Hussain how to achieve victory while being oppressed.” Gandhi’s “Salt March” in 1930 was a monumental act of non-violent resistance, and he drew inspiration from Hussain’s example of steadfastness.
Similarly, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a key leader in the American civil rights movement, found inspiration in Hussain’s principles of sacrifice and justice. Hussain’s timeless message has transcended cultures, religions, and borders, igniting movements for freedom and justice around the world.
A Universal Symbol of Resistance
Imam Hussain is regarded as a universal, borderless, and meta-religious symbol. While rooted in Shia Islam, the Arba’een pilgrimage has evolved into a symbol of interfaith engagement. It increasingly draws participants from diverse religious backgrounds, including Sunnis, Christians, Hindus, Yazidis, Zoroastrians, and others, who gather to commemorate and mourn Hussain’s sacrifice.
Each year, millions, including Sunni Muslims and people of other faiths, join the pilgrimage to Karbala—not just to walk, but to serve. It is a profound act of protest against all forms of terrorism, fascism, imperialism, despotism, and oppression perpetrated by both state and non-state actors.
The Arba’een Walk seeks to keep alive the spirit of Karbala, conveying the message of freedom to future generations. It promotes human values of love, compassion, and justice, while denouncing bigotry, tyranny, and exploitation. Its appeal cuts across barriers of religion, caste, colour, and creed, making it truly a march for humanity.
The Peace and Humanity Procession in Milton Keynes
For over 30 years, the Peace and Humanity Procession, organised by Voice of Al Hussain, has been an annual tradition in Milton Keynes. The procession begins at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, where a large gathering of participants hold banners and placards promoting peace, love, and brotherhood.
Religious and community leaders—including Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhist, Sikhs, and others—walk side by side, symbolising unity, mutual respect, and a spirit of togetherness. Participants chant slogans advocating for non-violence and humanitarian values as they proceed through Central Milton Keynes, drawing attention to the importance of interfaith dialogue and coexistence.
The event aims to foster unity among people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds and is attended by religious scholars, social activists, and members of various communities.
Following the peaceful march, an interfaith programme is held at various venues in Milton Keynes. The session begins with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by addresses from distinguished speakers representing Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and other faiths.
Esteemed guests, including the Mayor of Milton Keynes, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, the Police Superintendent, and numerous faith leaders, have participated, adding value and highlighting the event’s inclusive spirit.
Each speaker emphasises the universal values shared by all religions— compassion, justice, and love for humanity. Discussions centre around promoting global peace, combating religious intolerance, and fostering inter-community dialogue. Special emphasis is placed on the teachings of Imam Hussain (AS) as a symbol of sacrifice, justice, and standing against oppression—values that continue to resonate across all faiths.
Volunteers from interfaith communities, including the Sathya Sai Baba Community, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, St. Barnabas Cluster of Catholic Churches, contribute significantly to the event’s success.
The Peace and Humanity Procession, followed by the Interfaith Programme, continues to be a resounding success in fostering unity and understanding among diverse communities. Voice of Al Hussain once again demonstrated its dedication to spreading messages of peace, love, and humanity.
The event concludes with a collective prayer for global harmony and a renewed commitment to interfaith collaboration. This programme serves as a beacon of hope, reminding everyone that despite our religious and cultural differences, we are bound by our shared humanity. Its success sets a powerful precedent for future initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and brotherhood across the world.