Participation of millions of mournful pilgrims of Imam Hossein (A.S.) in every year’s Arbaeen and Iraqi retinues’ longing for hosting these pilgrims represent an aspect of love and devotion to Imam Hossein (A.S.) and this longing flares in essence of all people.

About two months after Arbaeen rally, yesterday afternoon was an opportunity for Astan Quds Razavi to host 600 Iraqi people in the conference of “Servants of Iraqi Retinues in Arbaeen” and to appreciate endeavors of these lovers of the household of the Apostle of God (S.A.W.)".

Welcoming all pilgrims participating in this ceremony, Hujjat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin Seyyed Jalal Hosseini stressed, "Your today’s presence created another aspect of devotion, love and affection toward the household of the Apostle of God (A.S.). It also showed that there is brotherhood and equality among two nations of Iran and Iraq and no plot can destroy this alliance".

Saying that recognizing enemy is a main message sent by Arbaeen to the world, he added, "Arbaeen road is a path for paving the way for emergence of Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.) and it is a move going toward Islamic modern civilization".

Hujjat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin Hosseini said, "We have to know that enemies are going to change pure Islam and to destroy Muslims’ unity by forming various cults and thoughts. They are also trying to deviate original Islam whose main root is Karbala".

In continuation of this ceremony “Salman Riyaz”, responsible of Karbala’s retinues, introduced following the household of the Apostle of God’s (S.A.W.) school of thought as a blessing from God’s side and said, "It is our pleasure to revive and widespread thoughts of infallible Imams (A.S.) particularly Imam Hussein (A.S.) and it is a burden on shoulders of all of us ".

He added, "Arbaeen rally was a local tradition and a specific event for Iraqi people in the past; however, Karbala in now turned into a school of love in a way that number of its followers has been added and it is a world phenomenon now".

Salman Riyaz reiterated, "We commemorate over fifteen religious occasions in Karbala as a religious city. The climax of these activities is Muharram and Safar particularly Arbaeen of Imam Hossein (A.S.)".

This Iraqi pilgrim referred to Imam Reza (A.S.) and said, "Over ten thousand and seven hundred retinues and religious group from Iraq and 25 other countries served Imam Hossein’s (A.S.) pilgrims, around Karbala, during this year’s Arbaeen, Among these groups and countries, Islamic Republic of Iran had a specific role in rendering service to the pilgrims".

He introduced the relations between the two counties as a kind of relation rooted in belief and said, "We come to visit Imam Reza’s (A.S.) Holy Shrine every year and this pilgrimage is in fact a reunion with Imam Reza (A.S.)".

Speaking in the same ceremony, Mohammad Zobeidi, deputy general counsel of Iraq in Mashhad, welcomed Iraqi participants of this ceremony and stated, "Imam Hossein’s (A.S.) flag is now raised in all over the universe and Iraqi people are really happy to host all Shia people of the world".

He went on to say, "As a result of their deep love toward Imam Hossein (A.S.), Iraqi people spend all they have to serve pilgrims and it is a great honor for them to do their best in hosting Imam Hossein’s (A.S.) pilgrims".

Iraqi diplomat said, "The total number of Iranian people who went to Iraq for this year’s Arbaeen was around two million and Iraqi consulate in Mashhad issued 200 thousand visas".

Saying that average number of visas issued in twenty days was about ten thousand, he added, "We thank God because cooperation and mutual understanding between Iran and Iraq removed many difficulties and all issued visas were given to the applicants at proper time".

Source: Abna24