Thousands gathered in Dearborn, Michigan, on Sunday for the annual Arbaeen procession, commemorating Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him and his family), whose martyrdom more than 1,300 years ago symbolizes justice, sacrifice, and standing against tyranny.

Despite steady rain, participants walked 1.2 miles from the Karbala Islamic Education Center to Ford Woods Park as part of Dearborn's annual Arbaeen observance. Volunteers lined the route with tents offering water, food, and refreshments.

Observed this year on August 4, Arbaeen marks the 40th day after Ashura and is one of the world's largest religious gatherings, drawing millions of pilgrims each year to Karbala, Iraq.

"We do this every year," said Hyder Al-Huri, owner of Halal Pizza in Dearborn, who donated 120 pizzas. "This is about honoring freedom and kindness."

Jafer Al-Shaheen, owner of Boss Hookah, donated about $5,000 worth of food.

"It's not about the money," he said. "It's about standing up for what's right."

The procession ended at Ford Woods Park, where families and volunteers served free meals and refreshments. "The message is for everyone to be treated with love and respect," said volunteer Mo Rida, whose family helped provide food for participants.