From Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s point of view, the Arbaeen march is a “powerful spotlight” that reveals the truth of Ashura and the unity of the Islamic nation to the world. He called it an “incredible and historic gathering” that has no equal anywhere, and one that has left Western media deeply unsettled (Speech by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, November 3, 2018).
In response to this massive event, Western media have taken two main approaches:
First, the “conspiracy of silence.” The Supreme Leader said that for years, Western media intentionally ignored this great popular movement, while they covered even the smallest events anywhere else, they didn’t mention Arbaeen at all. He stressed that this wasn’t due to lack of awareness, but a clear “conspiracy” to overlook this major truth (Speech by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, November 3, 2018).
Second, hostile analysis and distortion. Once they could no longer stay silent, Western media turned to negative and distorted coverage. The Leader described these analyses, which believers see as “absurd”, as proof of the West’s confusion and failure to understand what’s really happening (November 3, 2018). In short, enemies try to twist the meaning of this “powerful spotlight,” but he insisted that none of it would work and that “as this movement grows, the truth will eventually reveal itself” (Speech by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, November 23, 2016).
Despite these efforts to ignore or misrepresent the event, the global response has been quite different. The Supreme Leader pointed to the positive international coverage, saying: “Wherever we have seen this gathering reflected, its image across the world has brought honor and dignity to Islam and Muslims” (January 9, 2015). He also noted that on Arbaeen, millions of Shia and Sunni stand side by side, and the world recognizes it as “the largest human gathering on earth” and who acknowledges that? Those who are truly watching the Islamic world (Speech by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, January 9, 2015).
Conclusion
Looking at the Supreme Leader’s remarks on media coverage of Arbaeen, a clear picture emerges of a “battle over narratives” on the global stage. On one hand, Western media have used two strategies—”silence” and “hostile distortion” to downplay or sideline this enormous event. On the other hand, this vast popular movement, driven by the faith and devotion of millions, grows more magnificent every year and has even forced international observers to take notice.
What stands out clearly is the failure of Western media efforts against the inner power of Arbaeen. This spiritual phenomenon, through the sheer force of its truth, is gaining more and more media attention. Its greatest victory is overcoming silence and distortion, and bringing the message of Ashura to a world that has tried to hide it. Arbaeen, in this sense, is not just a religious event; it is a civilizational movement that is reshaping history and making truth triumph over falsehood.
