Scholar and Filmmaker Calls for Greater Recognition of the World’s Largest Peaceful Gathering
California, US, 20th March 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Sayed Abazar Wahedi, a respected Islamic scholar and filmmaker, is raising awareness about the Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world. Through his work with Beacon of Guidance, Wahedi is documenting the spiritual and humanitarian impact of Arbaeen, advocating for its global recognition as a symbol of unity, justice, and resilience.
Each year, over 20 million people from across the world embark on this pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq, to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS). Despite its scale, Arbaeen remains largely underreported in mainstream media. Wahedi is committed to changing that narrative.
“Arbaeen is more than a religious event,” Wahedi explains. “It is a movement of peace, sacrifice, and solidarity that transcends race, nationality, and sectarian divides.”
Bringing the Arbaeen Story to the World
Through documentary filmmaking, Wahedi captures the human stories behind the pilgrimage—stories of individuals walking hundreds of miles, volunteers providing free food, shelter, and medical aid, and communities coming together in unprecedented acts of service and generosity.
According to Wahedi, media coverage of large-scale religious gatherings like Hajj is extensive, yet Arbaeen—despite being significantly larger—remains virtually invisible in global discourse.
“People should know about this pilgrimage,” he says. “It is the single largest annual peaceful gathering in the world, yet most news outlets don’t cover it. Why? It’s time to change that.”
A Call for Media, Researchers, and Communities to Take Action
Wahedi urges media organizations, academics, and humanitarian groups to document and study Arbaeen, emphasizing its potential as a case study in mass mobilization, interfaith cooperation, and selfless service.
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20+ million participants from over 40 countries attend each year.
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More than 8,000 free service stations (mawakib) provide food, shelter, and medical aid, funded by volunteers.
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Zero recorded incidents of violence, making it one of the safest large-scale public gatherings.
“If the world truly wants to understand unity and selflessness, it should look at Arbaeen,” Wahedi says. “Millions walk, not for personal gain, but for a shared belief in justice and compassion.”
How to Support the Cause
Wahedi is actively working on documentaries and media projects to bring awareness to the pilgrimage. He encourages journalists, scholars, and religious organizations to help share the message.
For interviews, collaborations, or media inquiries, visit sayedabazarwahedi.com or contact Beacon of Guidance at beaconofguidance.com.
About Sayed Abazar Wahedi
Sayed Abazar Wahedi is a resident Alim at the Islamic Center of Fatimiyyah in Hayward, CA, a Quran teacher, and an award-winning reciter. With a background in Islamic scholarship and filmmaking, he bridges faith and media to educate and inspire global audiences.
