Writing from Hotel Alhlulbait @Karbala, Iraq – 5 Sep, Monday 2023. During my 2 weeks (28 Aug – 12 Sep) pilgrimage journey.
As I age 24 years now, all my life since the toddlerhood I’ve been brought up with a family of ardent Shia principles & practices. Starting from daily 5-times Namaz, Fastings, Cleanliness, Paying alms, Organising majlis(gathering) and all things Seraat al Mustaqeem(The straight path).
Being from an Indian middle class family of 5, with my (late) father as sole earning member back then. It wasn’t fully possible for me to take up a Ziyarat trip that cost over 1Lakh INR.
By the passage of years back in 2020, I graduated Bachelor’s degree and actually stepped into the real world to earn my living. Since my first ‘pay-cheque’ my staunch determination was to start saving up for an auspicious, spiritual and everlasting journey to Iraq (Najaf & Karbala). To show my respect to the martys of Karbala, get the divine mercy, get spiritual fulfilment of my inner soul.
Fortunately, I was able to save up and back in July 2023, I contacted Al Raza tours to book a slot for Iraq’s Arbaeen 2023, costing at 1.25Lakhs INR. I have a feeling inside of me now that I’ve utilized money in best possible way. 🇮🇶
Thankfully our belief is that not just the “money” that matters for this journey. Instead the Imam’s “Invitation” to visit the Shrine is equally important. There are instances where I’ve seen many of my family & friends from well to do backgrounds still not been able to make it to the Iraqi Pilgrimage, unfortunately. I Wonder how, when, whom the Imam is been selecting for the pilgrimage? What would be Imam’s selection criteria?
Nevertheless, I feel truly happy enough to have been experiencing this spiritual journey of inner peace in early stage (24) of my mature life. During my past 8 days I’ve been:
- Visited Imam Ali’s Shrine in Najaf
2. Visited historical mosques (Masjid e Kufa & Masjid e Sehla) in Najaf
3. Took 3 days, 1452 poles, 100kms walk journey from Najaf to Karbala
4. Visited Imam Hussain’s Shrine in Karbala
5. Visited Maula Abbas’s Shrine in Karbala
6. Participating in multiple majlises with eminent scholar’s recitation (Nusrat Abbas Bukhari, Ammar Nakshwani, Shayk Azhar Nasser & more..)
7. Met my far relatives, one being my Nani’s brother from Karachi, Pakistan.
As I’m trying my best to understand my pilgrimage tour full heartedly and believe this is the “reality” and a dream come true. I have written this blog in a brief / incomplete mannar. Having more thoughts in my mind to be expressed. Ideally in subsequent blogs. If you are reading till this line, Thank You! I pray to Imam and Allah swt for social peace, global justice and equality in world. 🙏
More to blogs to follow:
World’s largest walk gathering – 3 days, 1452 poles, 100kms walk from Najaf to Karbala
Why did Imam Hussain remain patient?
What is battle of Karbala?
What is Arbaeen?
Who is Imam Ali?
Who is Imam Hussain?
Why do 30 Million people gather at Karbala yearly?
