An Analysis of Arbaeen Pilgrims' Perception of Servitors' Behavior; An Anthropological Account of the Colossal Arbaeen March

The pilgrimage of Arbaeen, the 40th day of the martyrdom of ImamHussein (peace be upon him), which is exclusively reserved for and highlyrecommended by him, has continually been organized from Ashura in 61AH onward. In recent years, the pilgrimage of Arbaeen has become thelargest human congregation and a unique phenomenon in the world, so thatsome scholars consider it a miracle of the time. Those engaged in Arbaeenare highly diverse and demonstrate new behaviors and common normsduring this celebration.This article gives an account of the behavior of the hosting Iraqi peopleand servitors during Arbaeen from the point of view of those at place.The research is qualitative and of an anthropological type. The data wascollected through collaborative observation and both individual and groupinterviews conducted and classified by the researcher who has participatedin the event on numerous occasions.Research findings include three themes or categories of tradition,blessing and kindness, In other words, the pilgrims, the behavior of theIraqi people and their relentless service all along the path are ascribed totradition (the traditional roots of the people including their custom ofhospitality), blessing (the request for sustenance of blessings from Imams,in particular Imam Hussein) and ultimately an expression of disinterestedlove (devoting oneself to Imam (as) without any expectation ofreciprocation).