Arbaeen: Renewal of Allegiance to Imam Husayn (a.s.)

Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Saeed al-Hakim (ra) was renowned not only for his profound Islamic scholarship but also for his deep humility, spiritual insight, and unwavering devotion to Imam Husayn (A.S.). A towering figure among the marajiʿ of Najaf, he lived a life marked by simplicity, piety, and steadfast commitment to the values of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut). His actions consistently reflected the legacy of sacrifice and service taught by the Prophet’s holy family. One particularly powerful example of his love for Imam Husayn (A.S.) came during an Arbaeen pilgrimage, at a time when Iraq was facing serious instability and widespread security threats.

Despite his advanced age and fragile health, Saeed al-Hakim (ra) was determined to join the millions of pilgrims walking to Karbala. His close aides and family members, deeply concerned for his safety, advised him to delay the journey or at least travel with strong security. The roads were dangerous, and many prominent figures were choosing not to undertake the journey due to threats from extremist groups. Yet, his response was calm, unwavering, and full of spiritual clarity. “If we allow fear to prevent us from walking to Imam Husayn (A.S.),” he said softly, “then we have already surrendered to Yazid’s spirit.”

True to his word, he refused any special treatment or public display. He chose to walk part of the way without announcement or visible escort. His intention was clear — to walk humbly among the ordinary pilgrims: men, women, children, and the elderly, all marching in love and mourning for the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH). Sayyid al-Hakim (ra) shared the dusty road, the simple food, and the emotional atmosphere with the masses, embodying the message of equality and sincerity that the Arbaeen walk represents.

During the journey, he paused at a modest mawkib — a small roadside station set up by a poor family. They offered him a cup of tea with heartfelt respect. Observing their simple clothes and worn shoes, he smiled and accepted their hospitality with warmth. Quietly, before leaving, he placed some money under the tea tray, ensuring that his gift would not cause them embarrassment.

Upon arriving in Karbala, he stood silently before the shrine of Imam Husayn (A.S.), holding the zareeh for a long time. Later, he said to his students, “On Arbaeen, we do not only visit; we renew our allegiance. We say to Imam Husayn (A.S.): we are still here. We have not forgotten.”

His journey was short in distance, but vast in meaning — a testament that the path to Imam Husayn (A.S.) is measured not in miles, but in love, sincerity, and loyalty.