Secretary-General of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine: Success of Arbaeen Pilgrimage requires greater coordination, environmental protection, and compliance with public service regulations
Hassan Rashid Jawad Al-Abayechi, Secretary-General of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, stressed that the success of the Arbaeen pilgrimage is a shared responsibility requiring close cooperation among religious institutions, government agencies, and Hussaini processions. He made the remarks during the Fourth Annual Arbaeen Conference, organized by the Department of Hussaini Processions and Groups at the Holy Shrine and attended by officials from relevant government departments and representatives of Hussaini processions from across Iraq.
Al-Abayechi described the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) as one of the world's largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of pilgrims and drawing international attention. He noted that the months of Muharram and Safar provide an annual opportunity to assess the quality of services and organizational performance, emphasizing the need to deliver the highest standards of hospitality and support to visitors arriving in the holy city of Karbala.
He said the Holy Shrine is working to enhance service delivery in key areas, including electricity and water supply, infrastructure, and the organization of Hussaini processions. These efforts, he added, are being carried out in coordination with government institutions, Hussaini processions, and the Imam Hussain and Al-Abbas Holy Shrines to ensure the successful management of the pilgrimage.
Al-Abayechi noted that while Karbala has long been known for the generosity of its residents and volunteers in providing food, water, and accommodation to pilgrims, greater attention must now be given to improving organization and preserving public resources. He called on procession organizers to refrain from unauthorized connections to electricity and water networks and to help protect the environment, particularly the city's rivers, which serve as a primary source of drinking water.
He also stressed the importance of adhering to the guidance of the Supreme Religious Authority on protecting water resources by avoiding the disposal of waste or animal remains in rivers. Slaughtering activities, he said, should be carried out only at licensed, sanitary facilities to safeguard public health and protect the environment during the pilgrimage season.
The Secretary-General further urged Hussaini procession organizers to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities, avoid blocking roads or occupying excessive public space that could hinder the movement of pilgrims, and comply with official regulations to facilitate traffic flow and ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.


