According to the head of Arbaeen headquarters, some 55 Iraq-held Mukibs (stations to provide services to pilgrims), plus some 35 ones on 9 Iranian border crossings, are in full swing to treat and welcome Arbaeen pilgrims who are making the great march to the Iraqi city of Karbala.

“Razavi Volunteers and Public Services Centers in different Iranian provinces are ready to provide the best services to the Arbaeen pilgrims”, said Ahmad Mirzadeh, head of Arbaeen headquarters.

The 35 Mukibs inside of Iran are located on 9 border crossings including Shalamcheh, Chazzabeh, Mehran, Khosravi, Mir Javeh, Rimdan, etc.

“Besides providing services to Iranian pilgrims headed to Iraq, the Mukibs welcome foreign pilgrims from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Azerbaijan, who are taking the land routes through Iran to reach their destination in Karbala, Iraq”, added he.

He stated that one of the most significant priorities for Imam Reza shrine was supporting the 55 Iraqi-held Mukibs along the routes inside Iraq.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Mirzadeh referred to Mehran border crossing in western Iranian Ilam Province, as one the most important hubs for the pilgrims. “Therefore, Imam Reza shrine has taken necessary measures to set up 4 Mukibs to accommodate the needs of the great number of pilgrims crossing this border”.

Volunteers from Iranian provinces of Tehran, Alborz, Khorasan Razavi, etc. have joined forces to set up the Mehran border Mukibs.

“We anticipate a large turnout of pilgrims on Mehran crossing; therefore, we’re looking at preparing and distributing some 700,000 meals in these four Mukibs”, concluded Mirzadeh.

 Arbaeen, is a Shia religious observance that occurs forty days after the Day of Ashura. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who was martyred on the 10th day of the month of Muharram.