Alongside its annual preparations for the Arbaeen observances, the Holy Alawi Shrine — through its various departments — continues to offer a comprehensive package of religious and guidance services.
These services are provided as millions of pilgrims from inside and outside Iraq converge on the holy city of Najaf Al-Ashraf, with the aim of creating a spiritual and educational atmosphere to help pilgrims carry out their rituals and acts of visitation as best they can.
Sheikh Karrar al-Khafaji, head of the Religious Affairs Department at the Holy Alawi Shrine, told the Shrine’s News Center:
“Spreading religious knowledge and culture is among the most important services we offer to pilgrims during Arbaeen.
To that end, we’ve set up stations for answering religious enquiries (fatwa requests) both inside and outside the Holy Shrine — some designated for men and others for women. A number of scholars from the Hawza (seminary) are present at these stations to respond to pilgrims’ religious and doctrinal questions.”
He added:
“The work of these stations isn’t limited to answering religious enquiries — they also distribute a range of religious and cultural publications tailored to pilgrims’ spiritual and devotional needs. Thousands of copies of these materials are given out to pilgrims free of charge, as part of our efforts to promote religious awareness and strengthen authentic Islamic culture.”
Al-Khafaji concluded by emphasizing:
“All of these efforts are aimed at providing worthy services to the pilgrims of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) and making it easier for them to carry out their rituals — whether they’re coming from inside Iraq or from abroad to Najaf Al-Ashraf.”
