November 20, The Iran Project - Millions of faithful from around the world commemorated Arbaeen, also known as Chehlum,the 40th day (Arbaeen) after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Shia Imam.

Arba’een marks 40 days since Ashura when Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred in the desert plains of Karbala along with his 72 companions 14 centuries ago.

According to some Iraqi officials, nearly 20 million people have already entered the holy city of Karbala to take part in Arbaeen mourning ceremonies,  setting a record for the annual pilgrimage.

For the past few days, hundreds of thousands from Iraq, Pakistan, India, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Turkey and elsewhere have also been trekking a main road between Najaf - another holy city in Iraq - and Karbala on foot to show their devotion.

Large numbers of Iranians also traveled to Iraq for Arbaeen Day through three border points of Mehran, Shalamcheh and Chazzabeh in southwestern Iran to walk the distance between the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, which houses the Imam’s holy shrine.

In addition, some other Iranian devotees of all ages and social strata have taken to the streets and religious commemoration centers across the country to honor Arbaeen.

Meanwhile, Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, received a number of students on Sunday  to mark Arbaeen anniversary, described Arbaeen rally as an extraordinary phenomenon and an enormous and meaningful movement.

It is worthy to mention that Arbaeen has found additional significance in recent years as it has become a rallying cry for the campaign against Takfiri terrorists who have frequently targeted the pilgrims.

Mohammad Jawad Abdul Rahman, researcher and professor at universities in South Africa said on November 19 that the movement of Arbaeen can prevent the growth of Takfiris in different societies.

It should be noted that Arbaeen is the world's largest annual gathering, with the number of pilgrims far exceeding the two million visitors who descend on Mecca for the Hajj.