Much of Arbaeen’s power lies not in ritual but in words — the sayings of the Prophet’s family, the Ahlul Bayt. They are often startling in their simplicity. Here are a few, with a little context. Their sources are given so you can read them in full at al-islam.org, a large free library of these texts in English.
On the dignity of every person
“…for they are of two kinds: either your brother in religion, or your equal in creation.”— Imam Ali (as), Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 53 (to Malik al-Ashtar) · al-islam.org
Written as guidance to a newly appointed governor, it draws a line under every excuse for cruelty: whoever stands before you is either your brother in faith or, at the very least, a fellow human being.
On freedom
“If you do not believe in any religion and do not fear the Day of Judgement, then at least be free in your worldly life.”— Imam Hussain (as), narrated in the accounts of Karbala · al-islam.org
Said on the day of Ashura itself, to those who came to fight him. Even to his enemies, Hussain’s appeal was not to belief but to conscience: be free, be noble, whatever you believe.
On character
“Do not be a slave to another, for God has created you free.”— Imam Ali (as), Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 31 (to his son) · al-islam.org
These are not the words of a distant creed. They are an argument for human dignity that anyone can weigh. If they move you, that is exactly the point — read why Hussain speaks beyond religion.
Sources and further reading: the sermons, letters and sayings quoted here are collected in Nahj al-Balagha and the classical histories of Karbala, available in full English translation at al-islam.org.