In an interview, Hujjat al-Islam Seyyed Ahmad Hoseyni-Khorasani referred to the ongoing Arba’in pilgrimage and said that this grand and glorious gathering of millions of monotheists and lovers of Imam Husayn in Karbala is due to the beautiful and admirable effects of firm faith and belief of the followers of Ahlul-Bayt.
The representative of the people of Khorasan Razavi province in the Assembly of Experts added that the Arba’in pilgrimage demonstrates the expression of the faith, solidarity, strength and greatness of Shi’ah Islam.
He said this monotheistic and faith-based ceremony has great capacities for restoring the abilities and strength of the great Islamic ummah and added: “With these enormous God-given capabilities, steps can be taken on the path of development, progress and excellence in Islamic countries.”
Hujjat al-Islam Hoseyni-Khorasani explained that this pilgrimage, in which millions of people walk toward the Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn, is in appreciation for the sacrifices made by Imam Husayn and said, “The ‘Master of the Martyrs’ sacrificed his life to protect the divine rituals, especially the Hajj pilgrimage to the House of God [Ka’bah in Makkah].”
He added that the message and slogans of the million pilgrims of Imam Husayn is that if the struggle and resistance of Imam Husayn, his companions and his Ahlul-Bayt didn’t occur, today nothing would remain of the Ka’bah, Makkah and the Hajj pilgrimage.
The member of the Association of Seminary Teachers of Qom said that one of the most important reasons for the honour and greatness of Imam Husayn is that through sacrifice, he preserved and protected Islam and religious symbols such as the Hajj pilgrimage, the Ka’bah and the Sacred Mosque in Makkah.
In response to rumours being propagated by the enemies of the Ahlul-Bayt on satellite television networks and on the internet which state that that Shi’ahs intend to replace the Makkah with Karbala, he said, “These evil rumours are propagated by those who seek to spread dissension.”
Hujjat al-Islam Hoseyni-Khorasani said that if the tragedy of Karbala did not occur, the Ka’bah wouldn’t exist now and added, “This is because the Abu Sufyan’s, the Khalid ibn Walid’s, the Yazid’s and the Hajjaj ibn Yusuf’s throughout history have always sought to destroy the Ka’bah and attacked Makkah several times.”
In conclusion, he said, “The protection of the nature, truth and the establishment of the Ka’bah against all of the ill-wishers and enemies was due to the sacred blood of Imam Husayn and martyrs of Karbala.”