Every year on the 19th of August, the world marks World Humanitarian Day, recognising the aid workers, volunteers and everyday people who step forward to help others, often at great personal cost. It is a reminder that some of humanity’s greatest strengths are found not in power or influence, but in simple acts of service.
Just a few weeks ago, the world witnessed an event that offers a powerful reflection on those same values. As it does every year, tens of millions of people travelled to the Iraqi city of Karbala to commemorate the Arbaeen, marking forty days after the death anniversary of Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. It is the largest peaceful annual gathering in the world, yet remains one of its least understood.
Beyond the millions who make the journey lies another remarkable story.
Along the way, ordinary families open their homes to complete strangers. Temporary kitchens appear along the roadside, serving millions of free meals. Volunteers offer drinking water, medical care, places to sleep, foot care, phone charging stations and countless other services, all without charge and with no expectation of anything in return. Many of those serving are not wealthy. Some save throughout the year simply for the opportunity to give during the Arbaeen. For them, serving the pilgrims is itself a privilege; an expression of love and devotion inspired by Hussain ibn Ali. It is seen as a way of honouring his memory and values.
There are no tickets to buy, no membership to join, and no obligation to participate. Yet year after year, millions of people choose to dedicate their time, money and energy to caring for those they have never met.
What inspires such generosity?
For those making the journey, the answer lies in Hussain ibn Ali.
More than fourteen centuries ago, Hussain stood for truth, justice and human dignity, even when doing so came at the ultimate cost. His stand in Karbala continues to inspire people across generations and continents. While individuals express that inspiration in different ways, one of its most visible manifestations is this remarkable culture of selfless service that surrounds the Arbaeen.
It is a powerful reminder that values are not only remembered; they are lived.
At Who is Hussain, we see that same spirit reflected in communities around the world. Whether through blood drives, feeding those experiencing homelessness, disaster relief, supporting refugees or responding to local needs, our volunteers aim to serve people simply because they need help, regardless of background or belief.
World Humanitarian Day reminds us to celebrate those who dedicate themselves to others. Arbaeen offers another perspective: what can happen when millions of ordinary people are inspired by values that place service before self.
The scale of the Arbaeen is remarkable. But perhaps even more remarkable is the culture of compassion it nurtures. Alongside the millions who make the journey are millions more acts of generosity, hospitality and service, offered freely and wholeheartedly.
Long after the walk ends, that same spirit continues to ripple outward through communities across the world. It lives on wherever people choose to put the needs of others before their own; a legacy that continues to inspire acts of service, one person at a time.
