Ayatollah A’rafi’ Outlines Lessons of Arbaeen in Strategic Statement

Qom Seminary News Agency – In a strategic statement outlining six civilisational lessons of Arbaeen 1405 (2026), Ayatollah Alireza Aʿrāfī, Director of the Islamic Seminaries, commemorated the memory of the “martyred leader” of the Islamic Ummah. He stated that this year’s Arbaeen  begins under the shadow of profound yet honourable grief: the mourning of the loss of the “Martyred Imam,” the compassionate marjaʿ and wise leader who devoted his blessed life to the dignity of Islam and Iran—a leader who lived in the spirit of Imam Hussain and, like him, attained martyrdom.

The six civilisational lessons outlined in Ayatollah Alireza Aʿrāfī’s strategic Arbaeen statement are:

1. The Arbaeen Epic: A New Resurrection of the Ummah
2. Unity, Brotherhood, and Solidarity of the Islamic Ummah and the Axis of Resistance Around Arbaeen 
3. Jihād, Resistance, and Steadfastness Under the Ashura Slogan: “One such as me will never pledge allegiance to one such as Yazid"
4. Arbaeen and the Call for Vengeance and Justice for the Martyred Leader
5. The Arbaeen epic is the axis of empathy and compassion in the field of livelihood and economy, as well as economic jihad at national and global levels.

6. Arbaeen : A Practical Exercise in Preparing for the Reappearance of Imam al-Mahdī (ʿaj)
 

The director of the seminaries also emphasized that the Arbaeen of Hussein is not merely a vast gathering of mourning, but also a concrete exercise of forming a single nation and laying the practical groundwork for the realization of the global government of the Imam al-Mahdi (AS) Imam of the Time; When millions of people from all corners of the world, with one heart and one voice, come to Karbala, they are in fact recreating the uprising of the Imam of the Time (AS) on a small scale. This great harmony promises the promised dawn in which “the earth will be filled with justice and equity” and all of humanity will be gathered under the shelter of justice and knowledge.

In this statement, Ayatollah A’rafi also conveyed special missions to the students and missionaries, instructing them to explain the philosophy of martyrdom and the promise of divine vengeance from the Quran and Sunnah in processions, routes, and missionary opportunities, and to convey to the world the connection between the blood of Hussein (AS) and the blood of the martyred Khamenei through cultural and religious programs and by using the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

The full text of the important strategic statement by the Director of the Islamic Seminaries is as follows:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

“He sacrificed his life’s blood for Your sake to rescue Your servants from ignorance and the bewilderment of misguidance.”
(Arbaeen Pray)

This year’s Arbaeen of Imam Hussain unfolds on a different horizon, with an unprecedented manifestation of the bond between heaven and earth. It is an Arbaeen that is not merely a commemoration and mourning for the Master of Martyrs, but a complete reflection of the continuation of the path of Ashura into the present age—an age in which the epic of Imam Hussain has become inseparably intertwined with the epic of the courageous and honourable people of Iran.

This year’s Arbaeen begins under the shadow of profound yet honourable grief: the mourning of the loss of the “Martyred Imam,” the compassionate marjaʿ and wise leader who devoted his blessed life to the dignity of Islam and Iran—a leader who lived in the spirit of Imam Hussain and, like him, attained martyrdom.

The magnificent and historic funeral processions for that martyred leader in Iran and Iraq, particularly in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, together with the unprecedented and historic participation of the noble and loyal peoples of both countries, demonstrated that the deep bond of the Islamic Ummah—especially the peoples of Iran and Iraq—with the ideals of the Revolution continues to grow stronger with each passing day.

On the other hand, this Arbaeen is taking place on the battlefield of an existential and civilizational battle with global arrogance, especially the criminal United States. A combined war that has expanded with unprecedented intensity, military, economic, and cognitive dimensions, and America has revealed its helplessness and desperation more than ever by receiving crushing blows and unforgettable lessons from the Iranian military forces, the courageous Iranian nation, and the resistance front.

Today, this resilient nation, under the wise leadership of Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei (may God preserve him), with the guidance of the senior religious authorities of Qom and Najaf and supported by the faith and insight of its people, stands as an invincible monotheistic power against what the statement describes as the excessive ambitions of the American and Zionist enemies. It adds that this year’s Arbaeen will itself become a decisive response to those threats and another golden chapter in the great awakening and resurgence of the Islamic Ummah.

With a profound understanding of these critical circumstances and the complex realities of the current situation, and from a strategic perspective, I wish to present several points to you—students of the seminaries, scholars, and preachers—who are the standard-bearers of knowledge, religious propagation, guidance, and enlightenment on this distinguished path, during this great opportunity of Arbaeen , which offers an unparalleled capacity for clarification and intellectual struggle.

May we, through seeking the assistance of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), make the most of Arbaeen by preserving the memory and ideals of the martyrs—especially Imam Khomeini and our martyred Imam—by explaining the discourse of the Revolution, resistance, and hope, and by taking the lead in this comprehensive existential struggle as perceptive and striving soldiers.

1. The Epic of Arbaeen; The New Resurrection and Resurrection of the Nation

As used in the message of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution on the occasion of the thirty-seventh anniversary of the passing of Imam Khomeini, five turning points in the history of the Islamic Revolution have clearly demonstrated the truth of the resurrection of the nation:

1- The Ashura uprising of the Iranian nation led by Imam Khomeini (RA) on June 15, 1963;

2- The beginning of the victory of the Islamic Revolution on February 12, 1979;

3- The death of the great founder of the revolution on June 14, 1989 and the beginning of a new era with the wise leadership of the martyred Imam;

4- The unjust martyrdom of the martyred Imam on March 1, 2026;

5- The epic of the historical funeral of the martyred Imam in Iran and Iraq, which created a great resurrection and revealed a new level of his resurrection and amazing presence to the world.

Without doubt, Arbaeen al-Hussaini in 2026 will stand, as a manifestation and arena of a renewed prophetic awakening, as yet another turning point in the resurgence and collective awakening of the Muslim nations and the geographical expanse of the Axis of Resistance. The epic-making people of Iran and other Muslim countries—especially the valiant people of Iraq—will proclaim: “I bear witness that he is Your guardian and the son of Your guardian ... He strove in Your cause with patience and seeking Your reward until his blood was shed in obedience to You and his sanctuary was violated,” thereby demonstrating that such struggle and self-sacrifice are not confined to Ashura but remain the duty of the Muslim Ummah in every age, particularly in today's sacred struggle and existential battle with America.

Therefore, it is necessary for the respectful students and missionaries in the Arbaeen processions and gatherings to explain the truth of the “continuous mission” to the pilgrims and, while explaining the hardships and struggles of this path, as stated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage: “Indeed, Allah fulfills what He has promised.” They should emphasize the divine promise of final victory and approaching the bright horizon of the emergence.

2. Unity, brotherhood, and integrity of the Islamic nation and the resistance front around the Arbaeen of Hussain

The Arbaeen of Hussain is the largest human gathering in history, in which geographical, ethnic, linguistic, and religious boundaries fade in comparison to the “love of Hussain.” This great gathering is itself a clear example of this noble verse that says: “And hold fast to the rope of Allah all together and do not be divided.”

Unity and solidarity around the love and guardianship of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) is not a mere emotion, but rather an identity-building and cohesive movement that has made the resistance front unified and invincible against the common enemy.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly emphasized that “the resistance front is unified and coherent, and any damage to it serves the enemy’s interests.” Today, the enemies are trying with all their might to instill discord among the resistant nations, but Arbaeen, with its magnificent display of millions of people, thwarts this conspiracy.

Iraqis, Iranians, Lebanese, Yemenis, Palestinians, and... all march on the path to Karbala with one voice and one heart under the banner of “O Hussein,” and this is the truth that the Quran has interpreted as “are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other.” (Surah Al-Fath: 29).

Respectful students, clerics, and missionaries, by promoting the discourse of “Love for Hussein brings us together” and citing the verses of the Quran and the hadiths of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), should emphasize the unity and integrity of the resistance front, and in processions, meetings, and speeches, should insist on the commonalities of all religions and nationalities present in Arbaeen, and should enlighten and explain the victories and progress of the resistance front in the fight against the arrogant front and the American Zionist enemy. Being intelligent in the war of narratives is the message of Ashura, and today, the free and truth-seeking media and respected missionaries should pay attention to it in Arbaeen and around the world.

3. Jihad, resistance, and steadfastness around the Ashura slogan “One such as me will never pledge allegiance to one such as Yazid."

The fiery words of the Master of the Martyrs “

"One such as me will never pledge allegiance to one such as Yazid."

were not just a rejection of historical allegiance, but rather a strategic principle for all times.

With this sentence, Imam Hussein (AS) drew the permanent line of separation between the front of truth and the front of falsehood. Today, this slogan is also the most raised banner of the resistance front against the Pharaoh of the time, that is, America and its agents. Just as Yazid did not add anything to himself except humiliation and humiliation with the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), America also has nothing to gain with its crimes except disgrace and successive defeats.

In recent years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has dealt crushing blows to the body of arrogance and proved that "the likeness of Imam Hussein" will never retreat from the "likeness of Yazid". The divine command in the Quran to the Prophet (PBUH): "So stand firm as you are commanded, and whoever repents with you" (Hud: 112) is addressed today to the entire resistance front. The collective steadfastness of the nation on the path of truth is the secret of victory over the front of falsehood.

In recent years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has dealt decisive blows to the forces of global arrogance, demonstrating that one who stands in the position of Imam Husayn never retreats before one who stands in the position of Yazid. The Divine command addressed to the Prophet (PBUH) in the Qur'an—So be steadfast as you are commanded, along with those who turn ˹in submission to Allah˺ with you. ” (Surah Hus 11:112)—is today directed to the entire Axis of Resistance. The collective steadfastness of the Ummah upon the path of truth is the key to victory over the forces of falsehood.

Today, the existential war with America has taken on new dimensions and arrogance is present in the field with all its might, but the resistance front, learning from the school of Ashura and setting the example of the steadfastness of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions, is still steadfast and victorious. No economic, military or psychological threat can weaken the will of this united front, because its support is the true promise of God: “Indeed, Allah is with the patient” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 153). In this regard, it is necessary for all the dear people and the Islamic nation and the authorities to insist on this principle that the path to progress and happiness of the nation and the community can only be realized in the context of resistance and steadfastness, and retreating and compromising with the American arrogant power will not solve the country’s problems.

Seminary students, religious scholars, and revolutionary, jihad-oriented preachers should revisit, expound, and promote the slogan, “One such as me will never pledge allegiance to one such as Yazid,” in the context of contemporary circumstances. They should explain this Ashura-inspired motto to their audiences through what they present as clear contemporary parallels, portraying America as the “Yazid of our time,” intent on our submission or destruction, and clarifying that jihad, resistance against it, and refusing to pledge allegiance to it constitute a religious and revolutionary duty, the sole path to the dignity and honor of the Ummah, and the only effective means of deterring a treacherous enemy.

4. Arbaeen and the cry of revenge and bloodlust for the martyred Imam

This year's Arbaeen epic is the epic of revenge for the blood of the martyr Rah Hussein, the leader of the Mujahid and Shahi D is intertwined. When fists were clenched in his unique and historic funeral in Iran and Iraq and cries of revenge and bloodshed rose from the depths of the hearts of the believers, it was in fact an oath with God, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and the Imam of the time, may God hasten his return, may God have mercy on him, which was recorded in history.

Our revenge is the revenge of the blood of the oppressed from the oppressor; the revenge that God promised in the Quran: “And whoever kills an oppressed person, We have made his guardian a sultan.” And today, the guardian of this blood is the awakened and avenging nation; a nation that made a promise in the funeral of that martyred Imam that it would not stop taking revenge until the complete destruction of the oppressors, usurpers and Yazidis of the time. God willing, in this year’s Arbaeen epic, the cry of “O the martyrs of Hussein” will be linked to the cry of “O the martyrs of Khamenei.” This revenge has a civilizational, long-term, strategic, and global concept.

Accordingly, it is necessary for esteemed students and missionaries to explain the philosophy of martyrdom and the promise of divine revenge from the Quran and Sunnah in processions, on missionary routes, and in opportunities. Through cultural and religious programs, and using the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), they must convey to the ears of the world the connection between the blood of Hussein (AS) and the blood of the martyred Khamenei, may God Almighty be pleased with him. And eloquent clerics must convey the message of this Arbaeen, which is the revenge of the martyred Imam and the resistance against the Yazidis of the time, in different languages ​​to all free nations and non-Iranian pilgrims.

5. The Arbaeen epic is the axis of empathy and compassion in the field of livelihood and economy, as well as economic jihad at the national and global levels

In the current situation, when the enemy has resorted to a hybrid war and intends to disappoint the nation with a full-scale economic war, cruel sanctions, and destruction of infrastructure, empathy and compassion of the faithful, as well as planning by the responsible agencies based on economic jihad and resistance, are the greatest weapons of the Islamic Ummah.

The Messenger of God (PBUH) said: “The example of the believers in their mutual sympathy, compassion, and empathy is like that of a single body, when one of its members complains, the rest of the body cries out for it during sleep and fever.” Believers share each other’s joys and sorrows, and are never oblivious to the sorrows and sufferings of their brothers. This is the spirit that governs the epic of Arba’in; where serving the pilgrims puts aside any material considerations, and believers do not spare the least of their possessions to meet the needs of others. Therefore, Arbaeen is the best opportunity to demonstrate practical empathy and compassion in the field of livelihood and economy and can realize the resistance economy in its true sense.

Dear scholars and clerics, by promoting the culture of compassion and faithful empathy in Arbaeen processions and gatherings, encourage believers to show compassion and help the needy, especially during Arbaeen, and introduce Arbaeen as a practical symbol of the resistance economy and empathy. Also, by encouraging consumption management, invite pilgrims and servants to avoid extravagance and waste in consuming food and facilities, and promote the culture of proper consumption during Arbaeen. Emphasize that serving pilgrims must be accompanied by respecting the hosts and preserving resources.

In this regard, it is necessary for respected missionaries to encourage people to participate in charity and helping the needy, beyond the days of Arbaeen, and show that this empathy is the main solution to overcome economic crises.

6. Arbaeen is a concrete exercise in preparation for the emergence

At the same time, Muslim states and nations must engage in a great economic jihad to advance the economy of the Islamic world and produce a new economic power with the participation of nations and elites.

Arbaeen of Hussain is not just a grand mourning gathering, but rather a concrete exercise in forming a single nation and laying the practical groundwork for the realization of the global government of the Imam of the Age (a.s.). When millions of people from all corners of the world, with one heart and one voice, reach Karbala, they are in fact recreating the uprising of the Master of the Time (a.s.) on a small scale. This great harmony promises the promised dawn in which “the earth will be filled with justice and equity” and will gather all of humanity under the tent of justice and knowledge.

Our martyred Imam spent his life on the path of fulfilling this promise and with his pure blood, he registered his name among the companions of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and the victims of the path of the Revelation. Today, Arbaeen is the bridge connecting the blood of Hussein (a.s.) and the blood of the martyred Imam to the horizon of the Revelation; because the more passionate, coherent, and purposeful these gatherings become, the weaker the enemies of the truth will be and the smoother the path of the Revelation will be.

Seminary students and esteemed preachers are entrusted with the following responsibilities in this regard:

Presenting the Horizon of the Reappearance in Word and Deed

Clarify for pilgrims the connection between Arbaeen and the Reappearance (Ẓuhūr). Explain that this great movement is a reflection of the “great Mahdian army” that will one day, by the command of the Imam of the Age (ʿaj), conquer the world. Through lessons and narrations relating to the Mahdī, nurture among the people a spirit of hope and active expectation.

Identifying and Addressing the Obstacles to the Reappearance

Take advantage of opportunities for religious outreach to identify and explain the obstacles to the Reappearance—such as division, worldliness, despair, and ignorance—and present solutions derived from the Qur’an and the teachings and practice of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

Building a Global Network of Those Awaiting the Reappearance

By engaging with non-Iranian pilgrims and people from different nations, help foster international interaction and greater coordination within the Islamic Ummah in preparation for the Reappearance. You are the bridge connecting this global movement.

Promoting the Lifestyle of One Who Awaits the Reappearance

Teach pilgrims the practical model of a true believer awaiting the Reappearance—one that combines worship, struggle, the pursuit of knowledge, moral excellence, and military and economic preparedness—through classes, lectures, and face-to-face discussions.

Know that every step you take along this path is a step towards the coming of the Awaited One, who said:

“Increase your supplication for the hastening of the Relief (al-Faraj), for indeed that is your relief.”

Therefore, pray abundantly for the hastening of the Reappearance, for therein lies your deliverance.

I would also like to draw your attention to several important points regarding this great occasion:

A. Sworn enemies and agents of unrest are always waiting to exploit any security vacuum and seize every opportunity to disrupt public order and security. Until now, the vigilant and enthusiastic presence of the people in the streets has been the strongest barrier against the conspiracies of the enemies. During these days, pilgrims are therefore urged to plan carefully and minimise the length of their stay along the pilgrimage routes and at the mawākib. According to the statement, this prudent measure will help ensure that streets, public thoroughfares, and public gatherings throughout the country do not become deserted.

B. This year, more than in previous years, the statement calls for extending the spirit of Arbaeen throughout the country and connecting those unable to participate in the pilgrimage with those who do. It calls for Arbaeen commemorations to be linked with public gatherings and large processions in major cities and even the most remote villages. It further urges people to gather in mosques, ḥusayniyyahs, public squares, and streets in a coordinated nationwide display, chanting “Labbayk Yā Ḥusayn,” “Death to Criminal America,” and “Yā Lithārāt al-Khamenei” together with the pilgrims in Karbala.

Preachers, organisers of mawākib, and eulogists of the Ahl al-Bayt are likewise called upon to organise these large public marches throughout the country with careful planning, to enrich them with messages of resistance and opposition to global arrogance, to revive the consciousness inspired by Imam Hussain, and to elevate the spirit of Ashura. The statement declares that “this time, all of Iran is Karbala, and everyone stands, like Imam Hussain, against the Yazīd of the age.”

C. Finally, the statement stresses that preserving national unity and cohesion is of central importance. It refers to the guidance of Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei, who, according to the statement, has emphasised the necessity of unity among the people and state officials at every level in order to realise the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, safeguard Iran’s dignity and independence, particularly in the face of what it describes as the criminal and and deceitful American enemy, and maintain confidence in committed public officials.

On this Arbaeen , at the appointed meeting place of blood and consciousness, we renew our covenant with Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) to remain steadfast in the path of struggle until the Reappearance of the Proof of Allah (ʿaj), and together proclaim:

“Far be it from us to accept humiliation.”

“Victory comes only from Allah, the Almighty, the All-Wise.”

Alireza Aʿrāfī

Director of the Islamic Seminaries

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