In the Arbaeen walking ceremony to Karbala, from the beginning of the path to the end, almost the entire length of the path is divided by tents or structures that delegations from all over the world are responsible for these tents! In this route the are many stands which serve the pilgrims and they are known as mowkeb in arbaeen culture.
Arbaeen Mowkebs
Pilgrims’ mowkeb on Arbaeen Walk: Every year during the days leading up to Arbaeen Hosseini, pilgrims and lovers of Tharullah walk the route of Najaf to Karbala as a good tradition. Along the way, there are Mowkebs where pilgrims can rest.
On the way of the pilgrims, many Mowkebs and tents have been set up for reception, which create very beautiful scenes. Most of the people of various tribes and nomads set up tents and tents on this route and serve the people with all their possessions, even they serve with giving a loaf of bread or by washing the pilgrims’ feet, and they consider this service a great honor for themselves.
What is the meaning of Mowkeb?
The literal meaning of group Mowkeb is group movement, march, caravan, convoy, route.
Mowkeb refers to service stations for pilgrims or accompanying groups for accommodation, reception and feeding of pilgrims to holy religious places, especially Shiite places. The plural of it is mawakib.
In Iran and Iraq, in order to receive the pilgrims of the Hosseini Arbaeen ceremony, apart from accommodation and feeding Mowkebs, some Mowkebs are also considered for snacks, cleaning, hygiene, tailoring, waxing, wheelchairs and repairs.
Pilgrims Mowkeb on Arbaeen walk
Along the route, in addition to Mowkebs and small tents, there are large tents and clinics that are more suitable for rest and treatment.
This route from the exit of Najaf city to the holy shrine of Hazrat Abbas (AS) is marked by light poles from 1 to 1452, the distance between these poles is approximately 50 meters, which is a very good indicator for pilgrims on foot.
In the middle of this route, the city of Heydarieh (Khan Nass) is located, which is the most key point of the route and a place for providing facilities and supplies, etc., also the distance between Heydarieh and Handiyeh and the Twayrej junction, due to the presence of palm groves and secondary routes, witness the most explosions. In this part of route, one should be more cautious than other parts of the route.
All kinds of Mowkebs
While there are fixed Mowkebs, most of these Mowkebs are held temporarily and each of them offers different capacities and different services to the pilgrims according to the ability and effort of the pilgrims.
Some Mowkebs have high capacity and all kinds of services are provided, and some serve pilgrims only with tea and drinks as much as the person in charge is able to. Pilgrims are treated with saffron tea with a small kettle.
The place of accommodation and reception of the Mowkebs and their capacity are different from each other; The biggest Arbaeen Mowkebs accommodate 100,000 people and the smallest Mowkeb accommodates 200 people.
Services provided by Mowkebs
Among the various services provided in Mokab, the following can be mentioned:
All kinds of breakfast, lunch and dinner, drinks such as tea and syrup, etc., which relieves the fatigue of the pilgrims
Spaces that are provided for pilgrims to sleep and rest in the Mowkeb. For a short or even longer break
Public bathrooms and toilets
Massage of pilgrims! Washing pilgrims’ tired and dirty feet
Aid stations and clinics for treating essential cases and placing medicine and medical supplies for pilgrims of different ages and strata.
Hosseiniyeh for holding congregational prayers, speeches and mourning
Cultural stations where cultural packages from eulogies to posters and cultural materials and brochures are distributed and promotional activities are carried out.
Sections to answer religious questions of pilgrims where students and religious scholars are settled
A section for children
Gallery (in order to display photos from past years’ walking ceremony and other photos)
Miscellaneous services such as tailoring, shoemaking, waxing, etc.
Arabic coffee in Arbaeen
Coffee and drinking it is part of the culture of Arab countries. Even the word coffee in many languages comes from its Arabic equivalent.
Arabic coffee and how to brew it is considered a type of Turkish coffee. Arabic coffee is traditionally brewed in a traditional coffee pot called dalla. And during the brewing time, the coffee is boiled for about 20 minutes, and it is served in special cups for Arabic coffee, which are small cups without handles.
When pouring Arabic coffee, the bowl is kept higher than the cup. Traditionally, at the time of serving, the serving process should be done while the guests are seated.
Shaking the coffee cup and its meaning
If you shake the cup in your hand after drinking coffee, it means you are satisfied with this one cup and there is no need for the next cup, but if you don’t shake the cup, it means you are waiting for the second cup. You may ask why these actions and gestures are done! Some people say that usually in gatherings and congregations, the guests and the host are talking together. These gestures and signs make the assembly not unnecessarily crowded and as the discussion is going on, the reception will also take place.
Concluding Thought
In conclusion, a Mowkeb, or Mawkeb, is a vital element along the Arbaeen walking route, providing essential services and accommodations to pilgrims making their journey to Karbala. These stations, operated by various groups and individuals, offer a diverse range of services including food, rest areas, medical assistance, cultural activities, and more. The presence of Mowkebs reflects the profound hospitality and dedication of the communities along the route, ensuring that pilgrims receive the necessary support and comfort during their spiritual journey. Through these Mowkebs, pilgrims find not only physical sustenance but also a sense of community and solidarity as they embark on this sacred pilgrimage.
see also Karbala package
