Thousands march in Dearborn for 31st annual Arbaeen

• Thousands join annual Arbaeen march in Dearborn.
• Procession ends with community food tents.
• Volunteers donate food and supplies.
• City addresses event logistics and safety.

Thousands of participants gathered in Dearborn for the city's 31st annual Arbaeen celebration, on Sunday, walking a 1.2-mile route centered on honoring freedom, kindness, and standing up for what is right, The Detroit News reported.

Following a ceremony and prayers at the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center on Warren Avenue, the procession proceeded down Greenfield Road and concluded at Ford Woods Park on Ford Road.

Dozens of volunteer tents

Along Greenfield Road from Warren Avenue to Ford Road, as well as at Ford Woods Park, dozens of tents were set up and staffed by volunteers passing out bottles of water, candy, and hot meals to passers-by and marchers.

Local business owners contributed heavily to the event's food distribution efforts:

• Hyder Al-Huri, owner of Halal Pizza in Dearborn, donated 120 pizzas, stating: "We do this every year. This is about honoring freedom and kindness. Our prophet taught us to be kind to everyone, no matter who they are."
• Jafer Al-Shaheen, owner of Boss Hookah in Dearborn, contributed approximately $5,000 worth of food, noting: "But it's not about the money. It's about standing up for what's right."
• At Ford Woods Park, tents offered cooked items such as corn on the cob, watermelon, and shawarma sandwiches. Mo Rida, who helped relatives hand out food under a tent at the park, explained that his family volunteer group donates thousands of dollars and substantial time each year.

Growing attendance

The Arbaeen event first began in Dearborn in 2004, with reported attendance rising every year since its inception.

While organizers traditionally distribute food to marchers at the conclusion of the parade route, the steady growth of the gathering has brought operational challenges.

City officials have expressed concern that as the event continues to expand, it has become increasingly difficult to compel adherence to municipal ordinances, specifically those restricting designated cooking areas and preventing the blockage of fire hydrants.