Nestled amidst the lush palm groves along the Euphrates, the Umm al-Imam al-Mahdi Mawkib is a gathering place for lovers of Imam Hussain (AS) from Iran and Iraq. This heartwarming story explores the selfless dedication and unwavering love of the women who serve pilgrims at this unique mawkib during Arbaeen.
A Gathering Place of Love and Passion
When I saw Iranian and Iraqi women working together, cleaning vegetables for lunch, I was thrilled and instinctively joined them. Maryam tells me the story of this place, the Umm al-Imam al-Mahdi Mawkib. Nestled in the lush palm groves along the Euphrates and under the shade of red flags, this mawkib is a gathering place for lovers of Imam Hussain (AS) from all over Iraq and Iran.
The Iranian women of this mawkib come from the green land of Borujen, their hearts filled with love and passion. An old garden house and surrounding homes on the Najaf to Karbala route have now become a place to serve pilgrims. The Sayyids of this family, who have the honor of martyrdom in their lineage, now wholeheartedly host pilgrims.
A Heartbeat for Imam Hussain
Maryam says that the warmth here comes from the pure hearts of those who lovingly serve the pilgrims of Aba Abdillah al-Hussain (AS). She tells me about Umm Noor, a woman who dedicated all her wealth to serving pilgrims after her father-in-law’s death. She waited 22 years and lived through hardships to buy a house on the pilgrim route, where she now serves with love and dedication throughout the year.
Umm Yusuf, a young translator from Ahvaz with small children, also has an interesting story. Despite having young children, she devotes all her time to serving pilgrims.
Maryam herself is a nurse, and every year during Arbaeen, she serves and treats patients at a Mawkib. She says that no year has gone according to plan; she always ends up where she least expects it. Interestingly, despite limited medicine and equipment, all patients are treated—thanks to Imam Hussain’s divine blessing.
The bakers at the mawkib also have an inspiring story. They bake bread several times a day in unbearable heat with love and dedication for pilgrims. When the pilgrimage season ends, their hearts are heavy with sorrow at leaving this environment.
A Beautiful Collaboration
The collaboration between Iraqi and Iranian women at this mawkib creates a unique and beautiful scene. Iranians set up sewing workshops, children’s booths, and bakeries to meet pilgrims’ needs while Iraqis wholeheartedly participate in hospitality, cooking, and accommodation services. This heartfelt cooperation fills the mawkib with an atmosphere of love and camaraderie.
Preparation for the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AJ)
Umm al-Imam al-Mahdi Mawkib is not just any mawkib; it is a beating heart for everyone. Here, love for Imam Hussain (AS) unites everyone as one family working hand in hand towards preparing for the appearance of Umm al-Imam al-Mahdi’s son.
