First vice president praises successful Arbaeen pilgrimage amid high turnout

TEHRAN (Iran News)  First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref says that this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage proceeded smoothly without major issues, crediting effective planning and coordination among government agencies.

The event was held “magnificently” with strong public participation despite high temperatures, Aref said on Monday while speaking about the annual commemoration which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

“Thanks to the experiences of past years and the good planning and measures taken by the ministries of interior, and roads and urban development, as well as other responsible institutions, the ceremonies were held in a dignified and glorious manner with the presence of diverse groups of people,” Aref said.

He emphasized that the presence of pilgrims this year was “exceptional,” with an estimated 20 million attendees. “This massive turnout demonstrates the capacity of Islam and Shiism,” he noted.

Aref also criticized enemies seeking to sow division among Muslims, stating, “If Islamic countries maintained their unity, enemies would not be able to advance their agendas or commit crimes like those in Gaza.”

The event was held “magnificently” with strong public participation despite high temperatures, Aref said on Monday while speaking about the annual commemoration which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

“Thanks to the experiences of past years and the good planning and measures taken by the ministries of interior, and roads and urban development, as well as other responsible institutions, the ceremonies were held in a dignified and glorious manner with the presence of diverse groups of people,” Aref said.

He emphasized that the presence of pilgrims this year was “exceptional,” with an estimated 20 million attendees. “This massive turnout demonstrates the capacity of Islam and Shiism,” he noted.

Aref also criticized enemies seeking to sow division among Muslims, stating, “If Islamic countries maintained their unity, enemies would not be able to advance their agendas or commit crimes like those in Gaza.”