Najaf suspends official working hours for Arbaeen pilgrimage

NAJAF — The Najaf Provincial Council announced Tuesday that official working hours will be suspended across the governorate from Thursday, Aug. 7, through Thursday, Aug. 14, to allow residents to take part in Arbaeen pilgrimage events. Security and essential service departments will be exempt from the closure.

The decision was made during a session chaired by Council President Dr. Hussein Al-Eisawi. “The suspension of official work in the governorate aims to give citizens the opportunity to participate in commemorating the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, and to help provide services to visiting pilgrims,” Al-Eisawi said.

Arbaeen marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, drawing millions of Shiite pilgrims each year. In 2024, Iraqi authorities reported that more than 21 million people took part in Arbaeen commemorations, including over 3 million foreign visitors.