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Millions are preparing to walk to Karbala — are you ready to serve them?  —  17d 10h 34m  remaining until Arbaeen.
501(c)(3) Verified · Khums & Zakat accepted · 13 years at Pole 470 · 1 million + Zuwaar served each Arbaeen
Arbaeen 2026 · 4 August

Be part of the largest annual pilgrimage in the world.

Millions walk the road to Karbala in devotion to Imam Hussain (as). At Pole 470, your gift becomes food, water and shelter for every pilgrim who passes.

Serve The Zuwaar Now
Pilgrims are already making their way to Karbala17 days remaining until Arbaeen, 4 August 2026
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The Zahra Trust volunteers serving Zuwaar at Mowkeb 470 The Zahra Trust Mowkeb · Pole 470

Serve the Zuwaar of Imam Hussain (as)

For more than 13 years, The Zahra Trust Mowkeb has welcomed pilgrims making the journey from Najaf to Karbala. Located at Pole 470, the mowkeb provides hot meals, fresh water, daily majalis, rest facilities and essential amenities for more than 1 million zuwwaar throughout Arba'een.

Whether you're walking this year or supporting from home, your generosity helps serve every pilgrim with dignity, compassion and care — and the reward belongs to you too.

Choose How You'll Serve
1 million +
Zuwaar served each Arbaeen
13 yrs
Of service at Pole 470
300+
Volunteers each season
100%
Of gifts reach the Zuwaar

Arbaeen Giving

From serving Zuwaar on the road to Karbala to supporting vulnerable communities inspired by the values of Imam Hussain (as) — choose how you'll give.

Zuwaar Support

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Arbaeen

Arbaeen Ziyarah

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Drink Water Think Hussain

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Hazrat Abbas Water Aid

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Ya Sakina Orphan Aid

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Sayyida Zainab Development Fund

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Imam Mahdi Emergency Aid

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Ya Sajjad Medical Aid

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Moments from the Mowkeb

See Mowkeb 470 in action — the people, the service and the spirit of Arba'een on the road to Karbala.

Fruits and tabbaruk at the Mowkeb

Fruits & Tabbaruk — served with love at Mowkeb 470

Instagram Reel · @thezahratrustusa

Tabbaruk of the Mowkeb

Every piece of fruit, every date — an act of devotion in the name of Imam Hussain (as).

Watch on Instagram →
Inside Mowkeb 470

A look inside Mowkeb 470 — Pole 470, Najaf–Karbala Road

Instagram Reel · @thezahratrustusa

Inside Mowkeb 470

13 years of service, 1 million + Zuwaar welcomed — see how the Mowkeb comes to life each Arbaeen.

Watch on Instagram →
Pilgrims at Arbaeen

The road to Karbala — Zuwaar at Mowkeb 470

Instagram Reel · @thezahratrustusa

The road to Karbala

Millions walk. Every Zaair who passes Pole 470 is welcomed — your donation makes that possible.

Watch on Instagram →

Frequently asked questions

What is Arbaeen?
Arbaeen (Arabic: الأربعين) marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) at Karbala. It is one of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar, commemorated by millions of Muslims worldwide — particularly through the Arbaeen Walk, the largest annual peaceful gathering on earth.
When is Arbaeen in 2026?
Arbaeen 2026 falls on 4 August 2026, corresponding to the 20th of Safar 1448 AH.
Why is Arbaeen important to Muslims?
Arbaeen marks the first visit to the grave of Imam Hussain (as) after his martyrdom — made by his sister Lady Zainab (as) and the survivors of Karbala. It is a day of profound remembrance, solidarity and spiritual renewal for those who honour his sacrifice for justice and truth.
What is the Arbaeen Walk?
The Arbaeen Walk is the annual pilgrimage from Najaf to Karbala, covering approximately 80km on foot over three to five days. Millions of pilgrims — known as Zuwaar — make this journey each year in devotion to Imam Hussain (as). Thousands of Mawakeb (hospitality stations) line the route, providing free food, water and shelter to all who walk.
How many people attend the Arbaeen pilgrimage?
Arbaeen is the largest annual peaceful gathering on earth, with estimates of 20–30 million pilgrims making the journey each year from over 50 countries — making it a truly global act of devotion.
Is Arbaeen only for Shia Muslims?
No. While Arbaeen is rooted in Shia tradition, people of all faiths and backgrounds participate in the walk and the acts of service surrounding it. The universal values of justice, compassion and hospitality that Imam Hussain (as) embodied resonate across all communities.
How is Arbaeen different from Ashura?
Ashura (10th Muharram) marks the day of Imam Hussain's martyrdom at Karbala. Arbaeen (20th Safar) marks the 40th day after his martyrdom — a traditional period of mourning in Islam and many cultures. Together, they form the most significant commemoration in the Shia Islamic calendar.
Is it safe to go on the Arbaeen pilgrimage?
The Arbaeen Walk is considered safe for pilgrims. The Iraqi government, volunteer organisations and thousands of Mawakeb work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all Zuwaar along the route. Pilgrims are advised to plan carefully and stay informed of current travel guidance for Iraq before travelling.
How do people prepare for Arbaeen?
Pilgrims typically arrange visas and travel well in advance, as demand is very high. Physical preparation for the walk is important — the journey can take 3–5 days on foot. Many pilgrims also spend time in spiritual preparation through fasting, prayer and recitation of Ziyarat Arbaeen in the weeks beforehand.
Can non-Muslims participate in Arbaeen?
Yes. Non-Muslims are welcome to attend and observe Arbaeen. Many journalists, academics and interfaith visitors have walked alongside pilgrims. The atmosphere along the route is one of profound openness, hospitality and peace.
What is the message of Arbaeen in today's world?
Arbaeen is a living reminder that standing for justice, truth and compassion in the face of oppression is a universal human duty. Imam Hussain's (as) sacrifice continues to inspire people across faiths and cultures to uphold these values in their own lives and communities.
Do I need a visa to visit Iraq for Arbaeen?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Iraq. During Arbaeen, the Iraqi government typically facilitates visas on arrival for pilgrims from many countries. We recommend checking with the Iraqi embassy in your country well in advance, as entry requirements can change year to year.
What should I pack for the Arbaeen walk?
Essentials include comfortable walking shoes, lightweight modest clothing, a refillable water bottle, sun protection, basic first aid supplies and any personal medications. Many pilgrims carry a copy of Ziyarat Arbaeen. Keep luggage minimal — Mawakeb along the route provide food, water and basic amenities freely.
How is The Zahra Trust involved in the Arbaeen Walk?
The Zahra Trust has operated Mowkeb 470 at Pole 470 on the Najaf–Karbala road for over 13 years. Each Arbaeen, our team of 300+ volunteers serves more than 1 million Zuwaar with hot meals, fresh water, rest facilities and daily Majalis. You can support Mowkeb 470 by donating through our Arbaeen Giving packages above — 100% of restricted donations reach the Mowkeb.

Still have a question?

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۞ Arbaeen 2026

Walk. Serve. Share the reward.

Whether you're walking to Karbala this Arba'een or supporting from home, your generosity helps serve the Zuwaar — and the reward belongs to you too.

Donate to Mowkeb 470 →