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Shafaq News
a day ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Muharram surge turns Karbala into economic engine
Shafaq News - Karbala With the arrival of Muharram, local businesses in Karbala are witnessing a sharp increase in activity as pilgrims flock to the city for religious commemorations, creating a surge in demand for food, services, and temporary labor. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds special significance for Shiite Muslims, who mark it with mourning rituals, especially on the 10th day known as Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The season culminates in Arbaeen, a major pilgrimage observed 40 days after Ashura. Millions of Shiite Muslims from Iraq and abroad travel—many of them on foot—to Karbala to honor Imam Hussein's sacrifice. Abu Ali, a 52-year-old grocery store owner in the old city, noted that sales have multiplied during the first days of Muharram. "This month is unlike any other. The demand increases three to four times as processions require constant supplies, and families buy more than usual to host pilgrims," he told Shafaq News. Many workers travel from other provinces to find temporary work in Karbala. Hussein, 33, from Al-Muthanna's capital, Al-Samawah, sets up a small stand every year to sell black garments near one of the major processions. "There are no jobs in my city. Every Muharram and Safar, I come here to work.' Hussein shares a rented room with other seasonal workers and sells items like black shirts, pants, and scarves from early morning until midnight. "I support a family of five. Even if it's a sidewalk stall, work is work," he said, adding that he hopes to see economic development in Al-Muthanna one day. Economic experts say the religious season highlights both the potential of local commerce and the broader unemployment crisis in Iraq. Economist Karim Al-Hilu noted, "During Muharram and Safar, demand for food surges, especially in the first ten days and around Arbaeen," when thousands of volunteers set up roadside kitchens along pilgrimage routes to serve free meals to the millions walking to the Shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala. He pointed out that Iraq graduates around 350,000 people annually, a number the public sector cannot absorb. "The state employs 35% of Iraqis, exceeding the global norm of 15%. The rest are expected to work in the private sector, but that sector remains underdeveloped." To address unemployment, Al-Hilu urged the government to develop vocational education centers and expand financial support for small businesses. "We need strategic plans to revive the industrial and service sectors and benefit from international development loans.'
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
‘Karbala is an emotion': As Iran-Israel war rages; Hyderabad residents put pilgrimage plan on hold
HYDERABAD: A group of at least 30 Shia pilgrims from Hyderabad was forced to delay their annual pilgrimage to Iraq and Iran due to rising tensions in the region between Iran and Israel. The group, which includes people of various age groups, was originally scheduled to travel to Baghdad on Thursday, just ahead of Muharram starting on Friday, and Ashura (the 10th day of Muharram). They were part of a larger group of over 100 pilgrims from Mumbai, Lucknow, Jammu & Kashmir, and other states. Every year, about one lakh Indian pilgrims travel to Iraq and Iran, including thousands from Hyderabad, said an official from the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Banjara Hills, adding that around 250 to 300 people from Hyderabad already left for Iran in early June for different purposes. While the group is one such in Hyderabad, the total number of pilgrims from the city was expected to be in the hundreds. However, the recent escalation in the conflict has put their plans on hold. 'After much discussion, we narrowed down four options — to wait and hope the situation improves soon, to cancel and take refunds with some deductions, to plan again next year, or to try going through another country. But even that seems almost impossible,' said a pilgrim from Banjara Hills, speaking on condition of anonymity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We need ₹26 lakhs to help our baby survive, please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Eventually, on Monday, most of the pilgrims decided to postpone the trip by at least a month. They are now planning to travel in August for Arbaeen, which takes place 40 days after Ashura. Meanwhile, this time, each pilgrim spent around Rs 1.4 to Rs 1.5 lakh for travel, accommodation, and other expenses. While some booked tickets as early as May, others made reservations in June. 'I usually go for Arbaeen, but this time I also planned to be there for Ashura. In the 12-day trip to Iraq, we were supposed to visit the holy cities of Kazmain, Najaf, and Karbala. Some of us would have returned by July 7 or 8, while others would have gone on to Qom and Mashhad in Iran. But right now, all airspaces are closed except for Basra airport. We considered going via Qatar, but friends there advised us against it due to safety concerns,' said a pilgrim from Purani Haveli in the Old City. Another pilgrim from the Old City said the delay left several group members dejected. 'We have been planning this trip for at least a year, if not more. Everyone is highly disappointed now. For us, Karbala is not just a destination — it's an emotion and a sacred experience that resonates deeply during Muharram. Some people are even ready to go if the conflict gets over tomorrow or the day after.' Every year, millions of Shia Muslims from around the world travel to Karbala, especially for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. It is one of the largest religious gatherings globally, second only to the Hindu Kumbh Mela in scale.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
As Iran-Israel war rages, Hyderabad residents put pilgrimage plan on hold
Hyderabad: A group of at least 30 Shia pilgrims from Hyderabad was forced to delay their annual pilgrimage to Iraq and Iran due to rising tensions in the region between Iran and Israel. The group, which includes people of various age groups, was originally scheduled to travel to Baghdad on Thursday, just ahead of Muharram starting on Friday, and Ashura (the 10th day of Muharram). They were part of a larger group of over 100 pilgrims from Mumbai, Lucknow, Jammu & Kashmir, and other states. Every year, about one lakh Indian pilgrims travel to Iraq and Iran, including thousands from Hyderabad, said an official from the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Banjara Hills, adding that around 250 to 300 people from Hyderabad already left for Iran in early June for different purposes. While the group is one such in Hyderabad, the total number of pilgrims from the city was expected to be in the hundreds. However, the recent escalation in the conflict has put their plans on hold. 'After much discussion, we narrowed down four options — to wait and hope the situation improves soon, to cancel and take refunds with some deductions, to plan again next year, or to try going through another country. But even that seems almost impossible,' said a pilgrim from Banjara Hills, speaking on condition of anonymity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo Eventually, on Monday, most of the pilgrims decided to postpone the trip by at least a month. They are now planning to travel in August for Arbaeen, which takes place 40 days after Ashura. Meanwhile, this time, each pilgrim spent around Rs 1.4 to Rs 1.5 lakh for travel, accommodation, and other expenses. While some booked tickets as early as May, others made reservations in June. 'I usually go for Arbaeen, but this time I also planned to be there for Ashura. In the 12-day trip to Iraq, we were supposed to visit the holy cities of Kazmain, Najaf, and Karbala. Some of us would have returned by July 7 or 8, while others would have gone on to Qom and Mashhad in Iran. But right now, all airspaces are closed except for Basra airport. We considered going via Qatar, but friends there advised us against it due to safety concerns,' said a pilgrim from Purani Haveli in the Old City. Another pilgrim from the Old City said the delay left several group members dejected. 'We have been planning this trip for at least a year, if not more. Everyone is highly disappointed now. For us, Karbala is not just a destination — it's an emotion and a sacred experience that resonates deeply during Muharram. Some people are even ready to go if the conflict gets over tomorrow or the day after.' Every year, millions of Shia Muslims from around the world travel to Karbala, especially for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. It is one of the largest religious gatherings globally, second only to the Hindu Kumbh Mela in scale.
India Today
17-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Fact Check: Old photos, videos used to FALSELY claim Iranians are fleeing to other countries
As the Iran-Israeli conflict continues to escalate, US President Donald Trump urged residents of Tehran to evacuate the city immediately. Meanwhile, several videos and photos allegedly showing Iranians fleeing to bordering countries have surfaced online. In this story, we have debunked three such refugees fleeing to Afghanistan?A video showing a large group of people running through rugged terrain is going viral as Iranian refugees fleeing to Afghanistan amid the ongoing conflict with We found that several Nepal-based Instagram accounts had shared the same video on June 1. This means it predates the present Iran-Israel conflict, which began with Israel's attack on June per one such post, the video shows a massive influx of people in Nepal's Rupa-Patan, Dolpa, searching for Yarsagumba, also known as "Himalayan Viagra," a rare medicinal fungus found in Nepal's Himalayan region at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 also found several videos similar to the viral video on YouTube in which the same terrain area can be seen. View this post on Instagram A post shared by madeinnepal (@madeinnepal143)Iranians crossing border to enter Pakistan?Another video allegedly showed Iranians rushing through a large gate to enter Pakistan. Sharing this video, an X user wrote, 'Refugees from Iran start to flood into Pakistan through Taftan border crossing.'advertisementResponding to the viral post, several people pointed out that the video was old and showed Pakistani Shia pilgrims visiting Iran. Reverse-searching keyframes from the viral video led to the same clip from August 9, 2024. This shows that the viral clip predates the ongoing per the post, the video showed the Pakistan-Iran border welcoming visitors of Al-Hussain. We also found the viral clip on YouTube shared on August 10, 2024. The Taftan border is important during Islamic events such as Muharram and Arbaeen, and Pakistani pilgrims enter Iran through it to participate in the Arbaeen religious rituals and to pay homage to the shrine of Imam Husayn in Iraq's stranded at the Afghan border?A photo of a large group of people stranded was shared as Iranians at the Afghan found the viral picture in a 2021 India Today report. As per the report, the image shows hundreds of Afghans gathered on the Pakistani side of the Chaman border, seeking to cross into Afghanistan. However, the Taliban did not permit crossings until Pakistan met certain demands. We found the same image used by other news publications at that time, which means that this photo has nothing to do with the Iran-Israel there are reports of Iranians leaving Tehran after the recent escalations. Residents have reportedly been fleeing to northern provinces such as Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz, leading to severe traffic congestion, fuel shortages, and disruptions in daily Pakistan has closed its border with Iran indefinitely amid the Israel-Iran conflict. Afghanistan also closed its border for cargo trucks after the conflict began. As per reports, some Iranians have sought refuge in Turkey. However, Turkish officials have denied reports of a large-scale influx of it is evident that these photos and videos do not show Iranians fleeing to neighbouring InMust Watch Want to send us something for verification? Please share it on our at 73 7000 7000 You can also send us an email at factcheck@
Arab News
29-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
Pakistan, Iran agree to increase number of flights for pilgrims
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to increase the number of flights for pilgrims and keep their shared border open round the clock during Muharram and Arbaeen, state news agency APP reported on Wednesday. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Tehran on Wednesday, where both countries made several important decisions to facilitate pilgrims and improve border cooperation. While there is no precise official count, approximately 700,000 Pakistani pilgrims visit Iran annually for religious purposes, particularly for Arbaeen, a significant religious observance in Shia Islam, marking the 40th day after the Day of Ashura. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), at the Battle of Karbala. Arbaeen is also the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussain. 'The two ministers agreed that the Pakistan-Iran border will remain open 24 hours a day during Muharram and Arbaeen to facilitate religious pilgrims,' APP reported. 'Both sides also agreed to increase the number of flights for pilgrims and discussed sending pilgrims by sea.' The Iranian government will also provide accommodation and meals for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad, the city most famous and revered for housing the tomb of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit the Imam Reza shrine and pay their tributes. 'To solve issues quickly, a hotline will be set up between the two countries. A special three-nation meeting involving Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq will be held in Mashhad before Arbaeen to plan better arrangements for pilgrims,' APP added. Significant pilgrimages occur in Iran, especially at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, the Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom, and the Shah Cheragh Shrine in Shiraz. These shrines are dedicated to revered figures in Shia Islam and are major pilgrimage destinations for Shia Muslims, including from Pakistan.
