The Fortieth

(dt. the fortieth)

For the Shiites, the 20th of the month of Ṣafar marks a significant moment, as it represents the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Ḥusayn in the Battle of Karbala. Just like Ashura, the 40th day is considered a day of mourning. The mourning ceremonies are not only an expression of grief but also an opportunity to reflect on and pass on the values and teachings of the Imam. As background to this, the tradition of the journey of Zaynab, the daughter of ʿAlī, is considered, which was accompanied, among others, by the descendants of Ḥusayn. The journey is said to have taken place on the 20th of Safar in the year 61 after the Hijra. The reason for the journey was the visit to Ḥusayn's resting place, making the mourning of the Prophet's family (ahl al-Bayt) a central motif for this day. The event highlights the strong emotional and spiritual connection that the descendants of the Prophet have to Ḥusayn and his legacy. Characteristic of this time are the mourning rituals and ceremonies, which mainly take place in countries with a Shia majority. The day is also characterized by pilgrimages, especially to the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala.