Muqtada al-Sadr calls certain Arbaeen practices 'innovations' unrecognised in Islamic law

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr has said that certain practices observed during Arbaeen pilgrimages constitute innovations incompatible with the Hussein rituals and not recognised under Islamic law. In a statement, Sadr said preserving the religious dimension of the commemorations was essential and argued that the practices in question run counter to the essence of the remembrance tradition. According to the statement, the practices deviate from the purpose of the faith-based ritual and undermine public sensitivities. Sadr called on participants in the Arbaeen marches to refrain from such behaviour and to observe the commemoration in keeping with its original spirit. The statement was issued through Sadr's social media accounts. No further details were immediately available.