The Largest Religion Gathering ITW

Описание: Iraq, Iran, and the Largest Religious Gathering in the World: A Journey Through Sunni and Shia Islam
Iraq and Iran are two of the most religiously and historically significant countries in the Islamic world. They have been central to shaping Islamic civilization, particularly in the division between Sunni and Shia Islam, and remain deeply influential in global religious affairs. Traveling through these countries is a journey through time, where ancient civilizations, sacred sites, and modern geopolitical realities converge.

The Sunni-Shia Divide in Islam
Islam, founded in the 7th century, experienced a major schism after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. This divide was based on the question of who should lead the Muslim community:

Sunnis (85-90% of Muslims worldwide) believe that leadership should have been chosen through consensus, which led to the appointment of Abu Bakr as the first caliph (successor). Sunnis emphasize the role of the community in religious interpretation and governance.
Shias (10-15% of Muslims) believe that leadership should have remained within the Prophet’s family, specifically with Imam Ali, his cousin and son-in-law. Shia Islam developed its own religious hierarchy and deeply reveres the Prophet’s descendants, known as the Ahlul Bayt.
This division led to centuries of theological and political conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, where Iraq and Iran have played a crucial role in shaping Shia Islam.

Iraq: The Spiritual Heart of Shia Islam
Iraq is home to some of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, making it one of the most important religious destinations for millions of Muslims. Two cities, in particular, hold immense significance:

Najaf – The burial place of Imam Ali, the first Imam of Shia Islam and the fourth caliph in Sunni tradition. His shrine attracts millions of pilgrims, making it one of the most visited religious sites in the world.
Karbala – The site of the tragic Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, where Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was martyred along with his companions by the forces of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid I. Hussein’s stand against tyranny became the defining moment of Shia identity.
Karbala and the Arbaeen Pilgrimage: The Largest Religious Gathering in the World
The Arbaeen Pilgrimage, held annually in Karbala, is the largest religious gathering on Earth, surpassing even the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. It marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, drawing over 20 million pilgrims from Iraq, Iran, and around the world.