Over 21 Million Pilgrims Attend 2025 Arbaeen in Karbala, Iraq

More than 21.1 million pilgrims took part in this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, according to official figures released by the shrine of Hazrat Abbas (A.S.). The number of visitors marking Arbaeen 1447 AH reached 21,103,524, slightly lower than last year’s 21,480,525.

The figures were recorded using an advanced AI-based electronic counting system installed along major routes to Karbala and at the shrine gates. Iraq’s Supreme Committee for Mass Pilgrimages said over 4 million of the visitors came from abroad, joining millions of Iraqi nationals in the commemoration.

Authorities implemented a large-scale plan to ensure safety and smooth movement. Traffic control, supported by radar systems on highways, helped reduce road accidents by 26 percent compared to last year. Fatalities dropped by 55 percent, while injuries fell by 36 percent. Karbala was also declared a weapon-free city during the pilgrimage, a move that enhanced security and helped reduce fire incidents by 87 percent, with only five cases reported.

Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari, who stayed in Karbala during the event, confirmed that the security strategy “was successfully implemented.” Security forces were deployed along all main roads leading to Karbala, with tight protection around the shrines of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and Hazrat Abbas (A.S.), as well as at key gathering points.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is one of the largest annual religious events in the world. It marks the 40th day after Ashura, honoring the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century.