During the Arbaeen walk, zuwwar often share posters containing pole numbers for Pakistani, Indian, Yemeni, UK, USA, and other community Mawakib. Some posters also mark medical points and well-known camps.

These lists can be useful. They may help you choose a rest point, reconnect with companions, find volunteers who speak a familiar language, or locate basic assistance. However, a list from a previous year should be treated as a reference, not a guarantee for Arbaeen 2026.

What pole numbers mean

The main walking route between Najaf and Karbala is marked by numbered poles. These numbers act as simple landmarks. A Zaeer can tell companions, volunteers, or a group leader which pole they are near instead of trying to describe an unfamiliar location.

For example, a group may agree to stop near a particular pole or meet again at a Mawkib close to that number. This can be especially helpful when the route is crowded and mobile communication is difficult.

How a Mawkib list can help

A shared list may identify Mawakib connected with a particular country, language, community, or service. This can give first-time zuwwar more confidence during the walk.

  • Use the list to identify possible rest and meeting points.
  • Look for Mawakib where volunteers may speak a familiar language.
  • Note any medical locations shown on the poster.
  • Share two or three important pole numbers with your companions.
  • Save the image offline before beginning the walk.

Do not rely on an old poster alone

Mawkib locations, names, signs, and services may change from one Arbaeen season to another. A camp shown at a certain pole in 2025 may move, close, or operate differently in 2026.

When you reach the area, check visible signboards and ask nearby Mawkib volunteers. Your group leader or trusted local organizer may also have a newer list.

Important: A poster should support your planning, but it should not replace current local guidance.

Mark medical points before walking

The shared poster includes several entries marked as medical. Before starting each day, identify the nearest medical point on your saved list and note another one farther ahead.

If you develop serious weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, or another worrying symptom, stop walking, alert your companions, and seek medical help. Do not continue simply because the group is moving forward.

Create a simple meeting plan

Crowds can separate families and groups even when everyone is being careful. A meeting plan should be simple enough for children, elderly zuwwar, and first-time walkers to remember.

  1. Choose one pole number as the next meeting point.
  2. Name a nearby Mawkib as the backup location.
  3. Agree on how long everyone should wait before moving ahead.
  4. Keep the group leader’s phone number written on paper.
  5. Place identification and contact details in each person’s bag or pocket.

Share your location clearly

When sending your location, do not share only a Mawkib name. Include the pole number and whether you are before or after it. Large Mawakib may have similar names, and the same community may serve zuwwar at more than one location.

A useful message could be: We are near pole 448, beside the medical Mawkib, on the walking-route side.

Keep screenshots available offline

Internet access may be slow or unavailable in crowded areas. Save the list directly to your phone rather than depending on a social media post.

  • Take a clear screenshot.
  • Add it to your phone favourites.
  • Send it to every adult in the group.
  • Write key pole numbers on a small paper card.
  • Keep your phone charged with a power bank.

Show adab when using Mawkib services

Mawkib volunteers serve the zuwwar of Imam Husayn (a.s.) with love and sacrifice. Receive their service with gratitude. Avoid demanding special treatment because a Mawkib is linked to your country or language.

Take only what you need, keep shared areas clean, allow elderly and unwell zuwwar to go first, and follow the instructions of the volunteers. Patience and good character are part of the preparation of a Zaeer.

Let the landmarks support your purpose

Pole numbers help organize the physical journey, but they are not the purpose of the walk. The deeper journey is toward remembrance, loyalty, patience, and reflection on Imam Husayn (a.s.).

As you move from one pole to another, keep your heart present. Recite salawat, make dua for your family and the believers, remember those who could not attend, and pray for Imam al-Zaman (a.s.).

Practical checklist

  • Save the pole and Mawkib poster offline.
  • Confirm all locations during Arbaeen 2026.
  • Mark nearby medical points.
  • Choose a main and backup meeting location.
  • Write emergency contacts on paper.
  • Use Mawkib services with gratitude and adab.