Hossein Yekta: The outward aspect of the Arbaeen journey is pilgrimage, while its inner essence is standing for God

The Sacred Defense narrator, comparing the pillars of the Arbaeen walk to the troop formations on the night of battlefield operations, said: “This movement is not ordinary; the unprecedented unity of the Iranian and Iraqi nations fulfills the vision of Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace), who said that when these two nations unite, significant transformations in the region will begin

Haj Hossein Yekta, a narrator of the Sacred Defense, addressing the pilgrims and volunteers at the holy shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (peace be upon her) at Arbaeen post 1080 on the route from Najaf to Karbala, described Arbaeen as “outwardly a pilgrimage, inwardly a standing for God.” He emphasized that this great movement serves as a global exercise in readiness for the appearance of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) and lays the groundwork for the realization of unity within the Islamic Ummah

At the beginning of his speech, he said: “Our path today is a red carpet of the martyrs’ blood, leading us to the Plain of Affliction and the Valley of the Martyrs. Outwardly, this journey is a pilgrimage, but inwardly, it is a standing for God and receiving the divine mission

He emphasized that “thousands of young people and the nation’s assets have been sacrificed to open this path” and suggested that every Arbaeen pilgrim act as a representative of a martyr, mentioning their name along the route; for the martyrs are alive, provided for by their Lord, and bestow blessings upon the pilgrims from the heavens

Haj Hossein Yekta, comparing the pillars of the Arbaeen walk to troop formations on the night of battlefield operations, said: “This movement is not ordinary. The unprecedented unity of the Iranian and Iraqi nations fulfills the vision of Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace), who said that when these two nations unite, significant regional transformations will begin

This commander of the Sacred Defense era described Arbaeen as a global exercise and added: “Major nations such as India, Pakistan, Yemen, and many countries in Africa and Asia have not yet participated in Arbaeen. The present gathering is a reconnaissance force for the main exercise that will one day bring the Islamic world together on this path

Haj Hossein Yekta, referring to Arbaeen’s role in uniting the Axis of Resistance, said: “The blood of martyrs from Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen has mingled in defense of the holy shrines, and this front today extends to the heart of Palestine. This is precisely the promise of Imam Ruhollah, that the path to Jerusalem passes through Karbala

Recalling the nights of operations and the hardships of the frontlines, he likened Arbaeen to a frontline mission: “Just as the fighters once detached their hearts from family and work and unquestioningly followed the Imam’s command, today we too must practice loyalty to Imam Khamenei

Haj Hossein Yekta highlighted the role of media in today’s battle and emphasized: “The enemy has realized that the war of narratives is even more important than missiles. We must convey the message of Arbaeen to the world, even if global media attempt to censor us

He warned against neglecting the philosophy of Arbaeen, saying: “The Arbaeen stations are places for replenishment and movement, not for stopping. This journey is not merely about walking and hospitality; it is a practice of determination and will for a great mission

Haj Hossein Yekta described the main mission of Arbaeen as “preparing for the Noble Government” and added: “Just as the nights of Karbala-5 were the nights of Qadr for the Islamic Revolution, today, pillar by pillar and step by step on the path to Karbala, the nights of Qadr for the Mahdavi Revolution are taking shape. Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) watches over our intentions and goals

Referring to the unprecedented solidarity of the resistance forces during “Al-Aqsa Storm,” he said: “Four Shia fronts and four Sunni fronts raised the banner of truth together. This coordination and unity are among the blessings of the Arbaeen culture

At the end, Haj Hossein Yekta, inviting the pilgrims not to miss the “tent of Baqiyatallah,” said: “Pilgrimage must be accompanied by awareness, and returning from Arbaeen must be accompanied by a mission. This path is a prelude to visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque and the fulfillment of the divine promise of the appearance of the Imam, so do not fall behind