One faith. One mission. One sacred land to protect.
Every pilgrim has a role. Every action leaves a mark.
The Story Behind Our Movement
In 2018, witnessing the River Furaat choked with single-use plastic left behind by millions of Arbaeen pilgrims, Karachi-based environmentalist Zahra Ali Syed founded The Green Pilgrim, a faith-rooted movement to protect the sacred land of Imam Hussain (a) through Islamic environmental ethics, community action, and policy change across Najaf, Karbala and beyond. Today our volunteers are making their communities plastic-free to prepare for Sustainable Arabeen.
Our Partners and Collaborators
Honored to work alongside the holy shrines of Najaf and Karbala, local institutions, and organizations across the globe united in protecting sacred land for generations to come.
Plastic Problem
Iraq is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Arbaeen the largest annual human gathering on earth — leaves behind a plastic crisis on the most sacred land. The River Furaat is choking. Only 5% of waste is recycled.
Our Key Priorities
From holy cities to community halls, six years of action across the region.
Plastic-Free Pilgrimage
Inspiring millions of pilgrims to walk lighter on sacred land of our Imams.
Plantation & Restoration
Reviving native trees and green spaces in the holy cities & beyond for the love of Imam Hussain (a)
Research & Policy
Building Scholarly and policy case for sustainable pilgrimage through Shia environmental ethics and climate change data.
Our Impact
Six years of on-the-ground action across the globe, rooted in love of Imam Hussain (a), driven by community, for a bigger goal of Sustainable Arabeen
Our Campaign
Learn more about our environmental action inspired by Imam Hussain (a) and join us!
Become a Green Pilgrim
Be part of a global community protecting the sacred land of Imam Hussain (a) from Karbala to your own city.
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