From Alborz to Karbala; The Vow of “Basarag” on the Path of Love

One of these processions is the “Moqeb Muhibban Al-Hussein (AS)” procession of refugees residing in Alborz province of Iran; a procession that has been serving Arbaeen pilgrims non-stop since 2017. The other is the “Moqeb Salamat” procession; where Afghan doctors and nurses, with smiles and tired but encouraging hands, heal the wounds of the path and treat the pain of Imam Hussein (AS) pilgrims.

But the scene that captures the heart of every passerby at Amoud 727 is the presence of migrant mothers and women in the Moqeb Muhibban Al-Hussein (AS) procession; Women who, with loving hands, prepare the traditional and beloved Afghan sweet called "Basraq" or "Khujur" for pilgrims.

The breathtaking heat of the path and the gas flames have made their faces rosy, but their eyes sparkle with joy. They sit for hours at the pot, shape the dough, fry it in hot oil, and with a priceless smile, place the warm sweet in the tired hands of pilgrims. The smell of Basraq, mixed with the aroma of fresh tea and the sound of prayers, creates an atmosphere that makes you forget the fatigue of the journey.

Here, service is not just baking a sweet; it is a romantic vow, a cultural and faith bond between a nation far from home and the Hussain caravan. It is with moments like these that the road from Najaf to Karbala takes on the color of love and kindness.