People in different ages, passed this line under the hot sunshine of day and chilly nights. The people of all layers, unreligious, religious, lame, ordinary people, famous ones, Sunnis, Shias, Christian, izadian , Zoroastarian and … . They passed through uneven roads and from the heart of concentration of terrorists and dangerous regions. This ceremony has been triggered several times by terrorism, and nothing can provoke them more than seeing the pilgrims which gather together to display their greatest believe. Last year was the first time that this ceremony was celebrated while ISIS (terrorist group) has occupied the most parts of north and west of Iraq. Terrorists have tries - and try now - to stop this movement by bombed cars, suicide attacks and throwing the rocket and mortar, but they couldn’t dissuade these people of their objects.
The roads and highways from all over Iraq have crowded by in black pilgrims that go to Karbala on foot, a trip which will lasted from few days to few weeks. These pilgrims have no even first mobilization; they bring a few things along their true love.
One part of this pious movement which surprised every observer, is observing thousands Mo’Keb which are equipped with mobile kitchen and is made by whom are living in range of pilgrims’ walking way. Mo’Kebs are places in which the whole needs of pilgrims are supplied. From fresh food to rest bed, from free international telephone to children cradle, everything is for free. In fact, in this 400 miles. way, it’s not necessary that pilgrims have anything else but their clothing.
There is a Mo’Keb in this way, which has been established about 50 years ago and almost 50 active honorary labor have worked in it and they ready 1000 kg flour and 200 kg chickpea everyday. This Mo’Keb, has cooked 14000 felafel (a kind of eastern meal) every day and reach to pilgrims.
More surprising is the way of inviting the pilgrims to drink and eat. The operators of Mo’Keb have come through the way and beg of pilgrims to accept their offers. Usually this offer consist of perfect services which is kingly dignity. First, they massage your feet, then bring you a delicious meal, after that they invite you to take rest during they wash and iron your cloths and polish your shoes. Of course they do all of these by honor.
It’s not understandable for who stands out of this story that what can be given the hope and strength to these pilgrims. You can see women while having a child in their hugs, men who are sitting on wheelchair, people who have cane and many blind people in this way. In this line, a walking father has been seen, who have travelled the whole way from Basra to Karbala with his lane son. This 12 year old boy had mental infirmity and couldn’t walk without others’ help. Partially, the father has put his son on his shoulders and walked through.
And in the end, it should be told again that undoubtedly, this ceremony -Arbaeen- is the most magnificent and greatest and also the most peaceful religious gathering in the world; even if the blind and injustice media don’t want to see it. They couldn’t cover the shiny face of the sun with their dirty hands.
Anyway, people don’t go to Karbala to be surprised of seeing the scene (green and thick palms, and/or to go shopping and entertainment and/or to see historical and ancient places or using the free exist facilities through the way) they go to cry. To moan and smell the heavenly fragrance of Hussain as close as possible.
But who is Hussain whom the people reach themselves to him and crying for him?!
We will talk about Hussain in second part. This will be continues, if God wants it. . .
Recources:
Independent
Reuters
Huffington post
Mashregh news
Fars news
Young journalists club
Farhang news
