Statements in the Advanced Jurisprudence Class about the Arbaeen Pilgrimage

These days are close to Arbaeen. An unprecedented phenomenon has emerged in recent years, which is the pilgrimage on foot from Najaf to Karbala or from some cities farther than Najaf to Karbala; some from Basra, some from the border, and some from other cities walk and move. This movement is a movement of love and faith; we observe this movement from afar and feel envious of those who have been granted this opportunity and have undertaken this journey:

Though we are distant, we speak of You. Distance does not hinder a spiritual journey.

Those who have traversed this path and are undertaking this loving and faithful movement are truly performing a good deed. This is a great slogan, "Do not violate the symbols of God"; undoubtedly, this is among the symbols of God. It is appropriate for people like me, who are deprived of such movements, to express, "Oh, if only we were with you, we would achieve a great victory." As we mentioned, this movement is a movement of love and faith; it is both a heart-felt belief and a motivator for action; it is both love and affection. The thought of the Ahlulbayt and the Shia thought is just like this; it is a combination of reason and emotion, a combination of faith and love; the combination of these two. This is what is noticeably lacking in other Islamic sects; they sometimes try to fill this void in some way, but it does not work; who among the family of the Prophet - these distinguished, outstanding, luminous, celestial figures - exists among the beliefs of other Islamic branches, that people love them like this, interact with them, speak to them, greet them, and hopefully receive responses from them? Who else exists? This is an opportunity for the followers of the Ahlulbayt; this visitation of the Imams (peace be upon them), this spiritual courtship with these great figures, these visits filled with high and excellent concepts that are available to us.

Some seek evidence for some of these visits; I say that these visits can be recited even without evidence. Well, when we want to speak with them, with what language shall we speak? When can we find such eloquence, such rhetoric, such fluency of words, such combinations, such concepts in our minds and speak with them? These visits are very good. Of course, this does not prevent people from speaking with these great figures in a heartfelt manner - like someone speaking with their father or loved one, expressing complaints and speaking - it does not prevent that, but these visits and the visitation texts that we have are truly one of the valuable things that, thanks be to God, exist in our school.

In any case, it is a very important task, a great task; this immense movement of people from Iran, from other Islamic countries, from India, from Europe, even from America and other countries, from distant paths, individuals come to participate in this march; two days, three days more or less - they walk on foot along this path; the people of Iraq, indeed, graciously and lovingly welcome them; it is a very significant and meaningful movement, and those who succeed should consider it valuable.

Of course, my remarks should not lead some to rise and move outside the regulations; no, according to the regulations that the Islamic government has determined; well, our friends in the government have thought about it, and regulations and guidelines have been set for this work, these guidelines must certainly be observed; it should not be that some people say, "Let us just move like this, let us head into the wilderness - for example - let us go," this is not desirable; these guidelines must certainly be adhered to. God willing, may you be successful and supported.