Shafaq News- Dhi Qar
Before sunrise each day, women fromthe Al-Juwaiber tribe in southern Iraq's Dhi Qar province gather aroundwood-fired clay ovens to bake bread and prepare free meals for thousands ofpeople walking to the holy city of Karbala.
Their destination is Arbaeen, theannual commemoration held 40 days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein bin Ali,the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the most revered figures inShia Islam. The event draws millions of participants every year, withcommunities across Iraq setting up volunteer stations to provide food, water,and rest along the route.
Within the Al-Juwaiber tribe, UmmAli oversees the work as grandmothers, mothers, and young girls share thetasks. Some knead dough and bake traditional bread, while others grill fish andprepare hot meals for those passing through.
For her, serving travelers is afamily legacy. "The honor of serving the pilgrims is not measured by howmuch we offer, but by the sincerity and intention behind it," she toldShafaq News.
By the time the last meals areserved, another day of the pilgrimage has moved on, while the women ofAl-Juwaiber quietly prepare to do it all again the following morning.
: Karbala, where memory breathes and future beckons
