https://doi.org/10.5812/mgmj-156387

The Arba’een Annual Congregation in Karbala: An Overview

authors:

avatar Mohsen Nouri ORCID 1 , 2 , avatar Leila Mohammadinia ORCID 3 , *

Department of Mental Health, Spiritual Health Research Center, Tehran Institute of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Department of Disaster & Emergency Health, School of Health Management & Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Mass Gathering Medical Journal: Vol.1, issue 1; e156387
published online: April 30, 2024
article type: Brief Report
received: March 30, 2024
accepted: April 10, 2024

how to cite: Nouri M, Mohammadinia L. The Arba’een Annual Congregation in Karbala: An Overview. Mass Gather Med J. 2024;1(1):e156387. https://doi.org/10.5812/mgmj-156387.

Abstract

The Arba’een pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings worldwide, presents unique health and logistical challenges due to its scale, environmental conditions, and the diverse backgrounds of its millions of participants. In 2019, the pilgrimage attracted over 18 million attendees, many of whom faced health risks such as musculoskeletal disorders, heat-related illnesses, and respiratory issues. Climate change has heightened these concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like the elderly and disabled. To ensure the well-being of participants, it is essential to improve infrastructure, enhance public health education, and foster coordination among stakeholders to mitigate risks and improve safety outcomes.

1. Background

Arba’een is a significant Islamic ceremony marking the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), observed on the 20th of Safar in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is one of the largest global gatherings, with millions of participants from diverse backgrounds undertaking a pilgrimage from Karbala to Najaf in Iraq, covering a distance of eighty kilometers. The event attracts people from all walks of life, including professionals, scientists, and individuals of all ages, including non-Muslims. Given the long distance, adverse weather conditions, and health vulnerabilities of participants, it is crucial for healthcare providers to evaluate the process and enhance preventive measures to reduce casualties and improve overall safety (1-3).

2. Challenges

The 2019 Arba’een pilgrimage saw a significant increase in participants, with over 18 million pilgrims reported (4, 5). Common health issues included musculoskeletal disorders, heat-related ailments, respiratory problems, and colds (3, 5). Recent climate changes have shifted weather patterns from cold to hot, impacting the pilgrimage experience (6). With the rising number of pilgrims, there is an urgent need for infrastructural improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees. Future pilgrimages are likely to face adverse weather conditions that will affect vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with disabilities. Additionally, climate change may influence the types of diseases encountered (7-9).

3. Conclusions

To address the challenges posed by the growing scale of the Arba’een pilgrimage, it is essential for municipal and city officials to upgrade infrastructure and expand capacity. International organizations, particularly the Red Crescent and other NGOs, should enhance public awareness campaigns to improve overall preparedness. Effective measures include developing sewage and drainage systems, improving footpaths, and providing health education. Public education on self-care practices, such as proper backpack use, staying hydrated, and maintaining personal hygiene, is crucial in mitigating health issues. Coordination among stakeholders and government entities is necessary for successful implementation. Furthermore, given current infrastructure limitations, it may be advisable for some vulnerable individuals to avoid participation during Arba’een.

References

  • 1.

    Albujeer AN, Almahafdha A. Does Arbaeen event is taking its place in global mass gathering programs? J Contemporary Med Sci. 2018;4(2).

  • 2.

    Mujtaba Husein U. A phenomenological study of Arbaeen foot pilgrimage in Iraq. Tourism Management Perspectives. 2018;26:9-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2017.11.015.

  • 3.

    Soltani A. The Necessity of Health-Centered Research in Arbaeen Mass Gathering. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2020;22(1).

  • 4.

    News I. The number of pilgrims exceeded 5 million this year 2019. 2019.

  • 5.

    Al-Ansari F, Al Ansari M, Hill-Cawthorne GA, Abdulzahra MS, Al-Ansari MB, Al-Ansari B, et al. Arbaeen public health concerns: A pilot cross-sectional survey. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2020;35:101546. [PubMed ID: 31838209]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.101546.

  • 6.

    Choi Y, Eltahir EA. Heat Stress During Arba’een Foot‐Pilgrimage (World’s Largest Gathering) Projected to Reach “Dangerous” Levels Due To Climate Change. Geophysical Res Letters. 2022;49(19). https://doi.org/10.1029/2022gl099755.

  • 7.

    Nazari A, Noori G, Mohammadyari E, Taebi G, Tavan H. Survey of Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases and the Survival of Pilgrims at Health Centers of Ilam on the Day of Arbaeen in 2016. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2017;20(S1). https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.14538.

  • 8.

    Bouchard C, Dibernardo A, Koffi J, Wood H, Leighton PA, Lindsay LR. N Increased risk of tick-borne diseases with climate and environmental changes. Can Commun Dis Rep. 2019;45(4):83-9. [PubMed ID: 31285697]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC6587693]. https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v45i04a02.

  • 9.

    Trebicki P. Climate change and plant virus epidemiology. Virus Res. 2020;286:198059. [PubMed ID: 32561376]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198059.