Iranian Journal for the History of Islamic Civilization

Iranian Journal for the History of Islamic Civilization

An Analysis of Trends in the Social Attitudes of Iranian Arbaeen Pilgrims: A Case Study of 2022–2025

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP),Tehran, Iran
2 Ph.D. Graduate, Department of Statistics, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Today, the Arbaeen pilgrimage is regarded as the world’s largest annual religious gathering. Although various studies have examined its different dimensions, no previous research has investigated temporal trends in pilgrims’ social attitudes. Using a survey-based quantitative approach, this study examines four-year trends (2022–2025) in the demographic characteristics and socio-religious attitudes of Iranian Arbaeen pilgrims. The statistical population consists of Iranian pilgrims participating in the Arbaeen Walk during this four-year period. Based on Cochran’s formula, the sample sizes were determined as 1,500, 2,150, 2,250, and 1,900 participants, respectively. Data were collected through a researcher-developed digital questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and cross-tabulations.
The findings indicate that the age structure of the pilgrims has become younger, while the proportion of single pilgrims has increased and the share of those participating in Arbaeen for the first time has declined. Across all four years, the most significant behavioral problem was excessive consumption and wastefulness. During the study period, support for the separation of religion and politics increased. At the same time, more frequent participation in the pilgrimage was associated with greater support for political Islam and complete adherence to religious authorities’ rulings. Moreover, opponents of political Islam reported higher levels of incomplete adherence. Overall, the Arbaeen pilgrimage is witnessing increased participation by younger people with diverse views on religion, politics, and religious authority, underscoring the need to guide the attitudinal shifts of the new generation and gradually strengthen educational and formative infrastructures.
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Volume 59, Issue 1
(Spring & Summer 2026)
September 2026
Pages 251-271

  • Receive Date 12 May 2026
  • Revise Date 16 June 2026
  • Accept Date 06 October 2026