Speaking on Tuesday during Arbaeen ceremonies in Karbala, Iraq, Simaei Sarraf said the pilgrimage symbolizes the enduring legacy of Imam Hussein’s uprising and demonstrates that the ideals of Ashura – the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH) at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE – continue to inspire millions of pilgrims each year.
He praised the generous hospitality of the Iraqi people toward visitors, particularly Iranian pilgrims, describing it as a significant social and spiritual asset that has reinforced ties between the two neighboring nations.
The minister stressed that Arbaeen should not be viewed solely as a religious ritual, urging students and young people to study the historical, ethical, and intellectual dimensions of Imam Hussein’s movement.
He noted that numerous scholarly works published in Persian since the 1979 Islamic Revolution have enriched research on Ashura.
Simaei Sarraf also highlighted the growing presence of Iraqi students at Iranian universities, saying academic exchanges promote international engagement, cultural dialogue, and closer relations between the two countries.
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Aug. 5, 2026, 9:14 a.m.
News ID: 86228155
Karbala, IRNA – Iran’s Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei Sarraf has described the Arbaeen pilgrimage as a continuation of the message of Ashura, saying the annual gathering provides a valuable opportunity to deepen religious understanding, strengthen cultural dialogue, and expand scientific cooperation between Iran and Iraq.