The world’s largest annual walk
Walk to Karbala with understanding, confidence and community.
A clear, practical guide to the story of Imam Hussain (AS), the meaning of Arbaeen, and the human journey that brings millions of pilgrims to Karbala every year.
Arbaeen begins in
… · 20 Safar — final date may vary by moon sighting
The Story
Forty days after Ashura, millions return to Karbala.
Arbaeen means “forty” and falls on the 20th of Safar, forty days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in Karbala in 680 CE. It marks the return of his family from captivity and the first ziyarah of his grave.
What began as a handful of mourners is now one of the largest peaceful gatherings on earth — a journey of remembrance, grief, love, service and renewal.
Learn the story
Your Companion
Everything you need, organised the way preparation actually happens.
First-Time Guide
What to expect, how the walk works, and how to approach the journey respectfully — with no assumptions.
Start here →Plan Your Journey
Documents, visas, packing, health, money and group travel — the practical side of getting to Iraq.
Plan now →The Walk
The Najaf–Karbala route, pole markers, pacing, night walking, and crowd safety.
Walk the route →Benefits of Ziyarah
What the narrations say about visiting Imam Hussain (AS) — sourced and cited from al-islam.org.
Read the rewards →Karbala Guide
The two shrines, Bayn al-Haramayn, etiquette, meeting points, and managing the crowds.
Know the city →Spiritual Resources
Ziyarat Arbaeen, duas, manners of ziyarah, and reflection prompts for the road.
Prepare the heart →Among the signs of a believer is the ziyarah of Imam Hussain on Arbaeen — the fortieth day after Ashura.— Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS), Wasa’il al-Shi‘a
The Hospitality Network
822 mawakib. One line of generosity from Najaf to Karbala.
Mawakib are volunteer service camps along the route — food, tea, water, rest, medical help, charging points, and open arms. We have indexed every recorded camp by its real pole number on the road.
Be Part of It
Arbaeen runs on service. So do we.
Volunteer
Translators, guides, medics, developers, writers — pilgrims and remote helpers alike. Register your skills and join the team.
Register as a volunteer →Donate
Help us keep this guide free, index every moukib, and build tools that serve millions of pilgrims each year.
Support the mission →The Mawakib App
An app indexing every moukib on the route — find services, register your camp, and connect volunteers.
Join the waitlist →@whatisarbaeen
Latest from the road
Photos and updates straight from our Instagram — the most current window on the journey.
Questions Before You Go
Clear answers for curious visitors and first-time pilgrims.
What does “Arbaeen” mean?
Arbaeen means “forty” and refers to the 40th day after Ashura, when Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred in Karbala. It falls on the 20th of Safar in the Islamic calendar.
How long is the walk from Najaf to Karbala?
The route is commonly described as roughly 80 km, lined with 1,452 numbered poles about 50 metres apart. Most pilgrims complete it over two to three days, depending on pace, weather, health and crowds.
Is Arbaeen only for Shia Muslims?
No. While Arbaeen is rooted in Shia devotion to Imam Hussain (AS), the walk welcomes Sunni Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, Sabeans and visitors of every background. Many walk simply to honour a man who stood for dignity and justice.
What is a moukib (mawkib)?
A moukib is a volunteer service station along the route offering food, tea, water, sleeping space, medical support, and more — all free. Our Mawakib Line indexes 822 recorded camps by pole number.
Do I need a visa to attend Arbaeen?
Requirements change year to year. Always confirm visas, entry rules, health requirements, and local guidance with official authorities, your travel provider, and trusted organisers before booking.
Don’t wait until the day before.
Learn the story, prepare with care, and walk with humility. WhatIsArbaeen.org is the digital companion for pilgrims and seekers preparing for Karbala.