The first pilgrim to Karbala: Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari and the first Arba’een

Forty days after the tragedy of Karbala, one elderly companion began a journey that would inspire generations.

Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari travelled to the land where Imam Hussain (as) and his companions had been martyred. Despite his advanced age and blindness, his love for the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (saww) led him to Karbala.

His journey was not about recognition or status. It was a journey of love, loyalty, and remembrance.

At the grave of Imam Hussain (as), Jabir offered his salaam and mourned the tragedy of Ashura. His visit became the first known Arba’een pilgrimage, beginning a tradition of remembrance that continues with millions of believers around the world today.

A journey of love

After the events of Ashura, Karbala became a symbol of sacrifice, faith, and standing against oppression.

Forty days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as), Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari made the journey to Karbala from Medina to visit the grave of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (saww).

Jabir was a respected companion of the Prophet (saww) and had reached an advanced age. Although historical accounts mention that he had lost his eyesight, his devotion to Imam Hussain (as) remained stronger than any physical difficulty.

When he arrived at Karbala, he was guided to the grave of Imam Hussain (as). There, he offered his salaam, remembered his sacrifice, and mourned the tragedy that had taken place.

His journey showed that sincere love for the Ahlulbayt (as) is demonstrated through action, even when the path is difficult.

The first Arba’een pilgrimage

Jabir’s visit to Karbala became the first known Arba’een pilgrimage.

Arba’een marks forty days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) on the Day of Ashura. Each year, millions of believers travel to Karbala to honour his sacrifice, renew their commitment to his message, and remember the values he defended.

What began with one companion standing beside the grave of Imam Hussain (as) has become one of the largest gatherings of faith and remembrance in the world.

Every step taken towards Karbala reflects the same devotion shown by Jabir: love for the Ahlulbayt (as), loyalty to truth, and a commitment to justice.

Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari: A companion of the Prophet (saww)

Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari was among the respected companions of the Prophet Muhammad (saww).

Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to preserving the teachings of Islam and remained connected to the family of the Prophet (saww). His journey to Karbala demonstrated that his support for the Ahlulbayt (as) was not only expressed through words, but through sincere action.

At a time when the people of Karbala had been abandoned and Imam Hussain (as) had been martyred, Jabir chose to stand in remembrance and honour his sacrifice.

His example continues to teach believers that true loyalty is shown through commitment and perseverance.

A legacy that lives on

The journey of Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari continues to inspire believers more than fourteen centuries later.

Arba’een is not only a physical journey. It is a spiritual movement built upon the values Imam Hussain (as) gave his life to protect: justice, dignity, compassion, and resistance against oppression.

The millions who walk towards Karbala today follow the path first taken by Jabir, carrying forward a tradition of love and remembrance.

His journey reminds us that honouring Imam Hussain (as) means more than remembering history. It means allowing the lessons of Karbala to shape our actions today.

Lessons for believers today

Jabir’s journey teaches us that genuine devotion requires action.

He did not allow his age, blindness, or the distance between Madinah and Karbala to prevent him from honouring Imam Hussain (as). His example reminds us that love is proven through sacrifice, commitment, and perseverance.

Today, we can continue the message of Karbala by supporting those facing hardship, protecting the vulnerable, and serving our communities with compassion.

The spirit of Imam Hussain (as) lives whenever we stand for justice and work to restore dignity to others.

Continue the journey of Hussain (as)

The journey to Karbala began with one believer taking a step towards Imam Hussain (as).

Today, every act of kindness and generosity continues that same journey.

At The Zahra Trust, we are inspired by the values Imam Hussain (as) sacrificed everything to protect: mercy, ustice, and dignity. Through humanitarian aid, emergency relief, and support for vulnerable communities, we work to bring hope where it is needed most.

This Muharram and Arba’een, honour the legacy of Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari by turning remembrance into action. Your support can help carry forward the message of Imam Hussain (as) and create meaningful change for those in need.

Frequently asked questions

Who was the first pilgrim to Karbala?

Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari is widely recognised as the first known pilgrim to visit the grave of Imam Hussain (as) after the tragedy of Karbala. He travelled to Karbala forty days after Ashura, beginning the tradition of Arba’een remembrance.

Why did Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari travel to Karbala?

Jabir travelled to Karbala because of his deep love and devotion for Imam Hussain (as). Despite his advanced age and blindness, he wanted to visit the grave of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (saww) and honour his sacrifice.

What is Arba’een?

Arba’een marks forty days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as). It is a time when millions of believers gather in remembrance and make pilgrimage to Karbala.

Why is the Arba’een pilgrimage important?

The Arba’een pilgrimage represents love, loyalty, and commitment to the message of Imam Hussain (as). It continues the tradition begun by Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari when he visited Karbala after Ashura.

What happened when Jabir reached the grave of Imam Hussain (as)?

According to historical accounts, Jabir offered his salaam to Imam Hussain (as), mourned his sacrifice, and expressed his devotion at his resting place.

What lessons can we learn from Jabir ibn Abdillah al-Ansari?

Jabir’s journey teaches believers that true love for the Ahlulbayt (as) is shown through action, loyalty, and perseverance. His example encourages us to continue the values of Imam Hussain (as) through compassion and service.

How can we honour Imam Hussain’s (as) legacy today?

We can honour Imam Hussain’s (as) legacy by standing for justice, supporting those in need, and serving humanity with compassion. Through charitable giving and acts of kindness, we continue the values that inspired the journey to Karbala.