How Do You Spell ARBAEEN?

1. Arbaeen is a significant religious observance in the Islamic faith, particularly among Shia Muslims. The term "arbaeen" translates to "forty" in Arabic, symbolizing the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. This observance commemorates the tragic events of Karbala in the year 680 AD, where Imam Hussain and his small group of followers were brutally martyred by the ruling Umayyad Caliphate.

   Arbaeen marks an occasion of mourning and remembrance of the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain and his supporters, who valiantly opposed injustice and tyranny. It is observed by millions of devotees, primarily through pilgrimage to the holy city of Karbala in modern-day Iraq, where Imam Hussain's shrine is located. Participants often walk long distances, gathering in immense processions that emphasize unity and devotion.

   During Arbaeen, individuals pay their respects at the holy shrine, engaging in acts of prayer, recitation of poetry, religious rituals, and reflection on the values upheld by Imam Hussain. The occasion also serves as a platform for promoting humanitarian causes, with many participants providing various forms of aid to fellow pilgrims, irrespective of their ethnic, cultural, or religious backgrounds.

   Arbaeen is regarded as one of the largest annual gatherings in the world and holds immense religious and cultural significance for Shia Muslims. The commemoration is not only a means of expressing piety and showing solidarity with the martyr, but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against oppression and injustice.

The word "arbaeen" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the root word "arba" which means "four" in Arabic. The suffix "-een" is used to indicate the ordinal form, meaning "fortieth". Therefore, "arbaeen" literally means "fortieth" in Arabic. The term specifically refers to the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The event is commemorated by Shia Muslims with a pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq, which has come to be known as Arbaeen.