Basra procession offers round-the-clock services to Gulf pilgrims at Safwan crossing

BASRA — For 17 years, the Muslim Bin Aqeel procession has run a nonstop operation at the Safwan border crossing in southern Basra, offering food, drinks, and lodging to Arbaeen pilgrims arriving from Gulf countries on their way to Karbala.

The service, located opposite the passport hall, operates in two daily shifts with 60 volunteers, said procession head Haider Radhi. He told 964media the team began this year’s work on the first day of the Islamic month of Safar and will continue until the end of the month, when the final pilgrims return home.

“We have been serving Imam Hussein’s visitors for 20 years, and we consider this service an honor,” Radhi said.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage, held 40 days after Ashura, marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Millions of visitors, many traveling on foot, make the journey to Karbala each year.

Pilgrims said the Safwan stop provides a welcome break on journeys that can stretch for many hours. Hussein Mohammed, a visitor from Saudi Arabia, said he arrived at 1:30 a.m. “in good health” and found “all services available and staff ready to help.”

Iraq’s Council of Ministers announced Sunday it will suspend official working hours on Thursday, Aug. 14, to mark the Arbaeen pilgrimage.