In a city torn apart by the constant bombardment of smoke bombs and hail of bullets, lies a city that hails tranquility. In fact, just yesterday, six people were killed and six others were injured in an attack in the west side of Karbala. “Six suicide bombers had sneaked into al-Jihad district at Ain Tamr precinct, west of Karbala. Security forces engaged with, and killed, five of them,” said Saad Maan, a spokesperson for the ministry in Baghdad. When the forces encircled the sixth bomber, he stormed a home and ended up blowing himself up killing six people in the blast.

Amidst this war-torn country, across the raging sea, lies the beautiful city of Karbala, where over 25 million people have found serenity. People from all across the globe, from all different locations, come to this one place to celebrate and commemorate one thing: humanity.

Arbaeen*, also known as Chelum, according to the religious beliefs is the place where the grandson of the prophet stood for humanity and justice and was brutally murdered. Here, on this holy ground, millions of people come together in peace. Known by mankind as one of the largest peace gatherings in history, yet very few seem to have even heard anything about it.

The shrine, located in the heart of the city, is the very essence of peace and tranquility. Where children can run and play without having to worry about getting kidnapped or shot. Where both men and women can sleep peacefully, knowing that they are in a place of sanctity. Several villages, buildings, architects, and even shrines have been desecrated, yet this singular shrine stands, the very symbol, and embodiment of strength.

Millions upon millions of dollars have been spent upon making this shrine the most glorious that it has ever been. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it is a place of refuge for everyone. Every year millions gather at this site, putting their lives at risk and in harm’s way in order to commemorate the one thing that binds us all: being human.

The land of Karbala has been derived as a sanction not just because of the people that come here every year, but because of the bodies buried here that fought for justice and humanity. Perhaps if it were not for these people the very aspect of humanity would not exist in our lives. Being in the presence of some of the most esteemed heroes in all of history, why would it not be the most peaceful place on earth.

Where one does not have to worry about food, as it is cooked fresh before their very eyes and handed to them for free. People line up in multiple lines just to get a taste of the extravagance yet simple meal that is made filled with so much love.

Where there is no worry of water, as in the baking heat of the desert, buckets lined with ice and layered with water bottles to the brim are laid out for the public. They are free for the taking so that no one person that is here should ever go thirsty or hungry as long as they are here.

This gathering of peace is one that is needed during this time of crisis. There have been several events that have taken place after the recent election, events filled with hate and rage. However, here in the blessed land of Karbala, there is no hatred for one another, instead, there is a mutual respect for one another as human beings.

There is no other land, no other location on this earth where people from all across the world come together in peace.

*Arbaeen is forty days after a death