Arbaeen Walk; Cultural Resistance Against the Hegemony of the Global Capitalist System

The hegemony of the global capitalist system, through its cultural, economic, and political dominance, has trapped peripheral societies in a cycle of dependency and structural inequality. Drawing on Immanuel Wallerstein’s World-System Theory, this study examines the capacity of the Arbaeen Walk as a socio-cultural and political phenomenon to foster resistance against this hegemony. The research employs a survey methodology. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire from 400 Arbaeen pilgrims in the year 1403 (2024) and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. Multi-stage cluster sampling was utilized, and the questionnaire’s validity and reliability were confirmed through face validity, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (above 0.85), and confirmatory factor analysis (correlation above 0.7).
The analysis of data reveals that the Arbaeen Walk plays ten key roles in strengthening unity and solidarity among Muslims against capitalist hegemony. Beta coefficients indicate a positive and significant relationship between the Arbaeen Walk and these roles, including: "Unity of Muslims against capitalist culture (β = 0.279) , " "Strengthening the collective identity of Muslims (β = 0.274) ," "Enhancing solidarity and forming anti-capitalist movements(β = 0.272), " "Reducing divisions among Islamic sects (β = 0.238)," "Bolstering the soft power of Muslims (β = 0.228), " and "Forming a united Islamic front (β = 0.222) ."
The findings demonstrate that beyond its religious dimensions, the Arbaeen Walk plays a significant role in fostering cultural and social resistance against the hegemony of the global capitalist system. By strengthening solidarity and collective identity among Muslims, this ritual contributes to the formation of a united front against the cultural and economic challenges of capitalism.