News - Middle East: Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has praised ceremonies held as part of the annual Arba’een commemoration, including the millions-strong annual march toward the holy Iraqi city of Karbala.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks on Saturday while addressing a commemoration service attended by students on the occasion of Arba’een, which marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam, in Karbala.

The Araba’een march is a "miraculous event" that signifies God Almighty’s will to keep the flag of Islam flying, the Leader said, adding that this move is not driven by any man-made policy or strategy.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that it is the divine power that, through this large-scale manifestation, opens a bright road ahead of all Muslims across the world.

Sayyed Khamenei said ill-wishers and those distorting realities are making relentless efforts to launch campaigns against key Islamic events such as the Arba’een march, calling on all Muslims to fulfill their responsibilities in this regard.

Ayatollah Khamenei recommended that all Muslims be patient and remain steadfast in treading the path of righteousness as among fundamental instructions given by the Holy Quran.

Twenty million pilgrims have converged on the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala to mark Arba'een, the world's biggest religious gathering which is keenly observed in Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, Lebanon and many other countries.