Karbala: The fourth annual conference on the Arbaeen pilgrimage commenced in Karbala, where the Secretary-General of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein, Hassan Rashid Jawad Al-Abayji, highlighted the global significance of this religious gathering. The event was organized by the Department of Hussaini Bodies and Processions at the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein and attended by directors of relevant departments and representatives from various Iraqi governorates.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Abayji stated that the months of Muharram and Safar serve as a benchmark for evaluating performance and service levels, as the world’s focus shifts to Karbala during this period. He underscored the necessity of providing optimal services to pilgrims, emphasizing improvements in electricity, water, infrastructure, and procession organization. The Holy Shrine aims to enhance cooperation between Husseini processions, official bodies, and the Holy Shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas to ensure the pilgrimage’s success.

Al-Abayji noted that Karbala exemplifies generosity, offering food, accommodation, and water services to pilgrims. However, he stressed the need to improve organizational efforts and urged the avoidance of encroachments on electricity and water supplies. Preserving the environment, particularly the rivers, which are crucial for the city’s drinking water, was also highlighted.

He emphasized adherence to the directives of the Supreme Religious Authority regarding water resource preservation, discouraging waste dumping and improper slaughterhouse practices. Sanitary abattoirs should be used to protect the environment and visitors’ health.