The rituals partaken by millions of Shia Muslims, especially the distinctive human gatherings in Karbala in more than a religious event per year, have not gone unnoticed.
The French newspaper ‘Le Figaro’, one of the most well-known and widespread international media outlets, did not allow these events occurring in Karbala to go in vain without benefitting from analyzing, covering and scrutinizing the nature of the Islamic religious rituals revived in the holy city. The newspaper expressed opinions about the views transmitted through its reporter George Malbrunot, who was eager in his role to highlight the events and focus on the foundations of the massive pilgrimages, in addition to the role of the holy shrines in providing services for its success.
The French journalist started his article named “Karbala is another Iraq; a city prospering by virtue of religion” by pointing readers’ attention to his astonishment of the nature of services offered by the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and al-Abbas to the millions of pilgrims pouring into the city of Karbala.
Malbrunot says, “The shrines have succeeded in securing a number of food products through their agricultural projects as well as the health services through hospitals and health institutions,” noting that “the farms, factories and other service sectors have provided thousands of job opportunities for the people of Karbala.”
The French journalist also mentioned that the holy city of Karbala is experiencing economic development, especially due to the religious pilgrimages, bringing into light one of the biggest, if not the biggest, project of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein – Karbala International Airport.
As for the role played for countering Daesh terrorists, the holy shrines of Karbala have provided logistic and moral support to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in Iraq, in addition to the aid given to the IDPs,” the Le Figaro reporter added.
Malbrunot toured the streets of Karbala during the sorrowful days of Muharram, observing the mourning processions and special rituals held for commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, the 7th century revolutionary leader who made the ultimate stand for social justice in the face of corruption and tyranny. Millions from different sects and faiths visit his holy shrine every year.
The journalist’s visit came after an invitation from the International Media Center of Imam Hussein Holy Shrine. The Center invites prominent journalists from around the world to cover the main events in the country, within the ‘Revealing Reality’ project launched in 2014.