What is Muharram?

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad and spiritual leader of the Shi'a people.
Imam Husayn's martyrdom is a sad day for all Muslims especially the Shi'a, who mourn the massacre of their "Prince of Martyrs" and his family in Karbala in 61AH/680CE.

Imam Husayn held the title of Imam, meaning spiritual leader of Islam; and he refused to swear allegiance to Yazid, the second Umayyad Caliph. He tried to travel from Medina to Kufa but was surrounded by forces loyal to Yazid in the desert at a place now known as Karbala.

Imam Husayn's followers were greatly outnumbered and dying of thirst, indeed his brother 'Abbas was killed trying to bring water back to the camp. On the 10th day of Muharram, Imam Husayn's followers were massacred and their leader beheaded after declaring, "death with dignity is better than life with humiliation".

The commemoration of this brutal massacre begins on the first day of Muharram and continues for 40 days. During the first 10 days of Muharram millions of Shi'a (and Sunni) Muslims remember the massacre at Karbala and strive to feel some of Husayn's pain.
The 10th day of Muharram is known as 'Ahsura' which recalls the day of the massacre in Karbala, a town in modern day Iraq which is second only to Mecca and Najaf as a spiritual beacon to the Shi'a.

Just 100km south of Baghdad, Karbala houses the shrine of Imam Husayn and his brother Al-Abbas. For centuries Shi'a pilgrims flocked here during Muharram, a practice which was severely limited under the regime of Saddam Hussein.

This year for the first time in nearly 30 years Shi'as can openly commemorate Muharram in the streets of Karbala without fear of repercussions. For many pilgrims this will be their first taste of religious freedom in post-war Iraq.

By: Admin On 9/21/2017 07:12:00 pm

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A lady in menstruation can touch Shabih ?

Question:
	if a lady is in the state of menstruation or a boy in the state of janaabaah can she or he touch the aalam,zarih and zuljiaanaah which are taken out during procesions of Muharram?
Answer:
	This question was put to our great scholars (Marja' of Taqleed) and the answer was: yes it is allowed as far as there is no intention of insult or disrespect. Wassalam. Mohammad al-Musawi

By: Admin On 10/14/2015 05:03:00 pm

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Can we wear black cloths in Muharram?

Question:
	Can we wear black color clothes in any other days apart from the days in muharram?
Answer:
	Wearing black clothes is disliked in Islam (Makrooh) except for the mourning of the tragedies of Ahlul Bayt (AS) and their sincere followers. Wassalam. Mohammad al-Musawi

By: Admin On 10/14/2015 04:45:00 pm

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Muharram – The month of revival of religion

The advent of Muharram upsets some people, of course unnecessarily, whose main concern is to suppress the propagation of the incident of Karbala.  They are disturbed at seeing so many people attending the assemblies (majaalis) of Imam Husain (a.s.) and their primary objective is to curtail the turnout at such assemblies. That is why they declare as innovation (bid’at) the propagation of this incident and ridicule the mourning over Imam Husain’s (a.s.) martyrdom. They protest against this tradition of propagation.

Everyone must understand clearly the importance of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) tribulations in Allah’s way, which became instrumental in reviving Islam. The discussion of these tribulations and sufferings has become an inseparable part of religion.  No one has the capacity and strength to restrain this discussion.

No amount of hue and cry against this custom will deny it the authority and legitimacy that it rightfully deserves. Today there are many who don’t acknowledge the belief in Allah’s unity (Tauheed). There are some others who refuse to recognise the finality of Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.s.) prophethood. Similarly we find a number of people who don’t accept Hazrat Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) as the Prophet’s (s.a.w.s.) successor. Does the denial and obstinacy of these people repudiate the truthfulness of Tauheed, Prophethood and Imamate? Never. Those who deny these are in grave loss. Maybe they don’t realise the gravity of the loss in this world, but will most certainly comprehend it in the hereafter. At that stage, repentance will be futile.

The propagation of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) distress has amazing benefits, creating a lasting impact on the minds of his lovers. This is upsetting for many people. This propagation goes against the aspirations of many people, whose sole objective is to wipe out Islam by giving vent to controversies. The discussion of Imam’s (a.s.) ordeal in Karbala repels the people against oppression, making them abhor the oppressors and sympathise with the oppressed ones. The people are able to appreciate the difference between the murderer and the murdered one and they are inclined towards the oppressed party and loathe the oppressor, as it is impossible for anyone to be equally disposed towards both the oppressor and oppressed one. For instance, no one can admire Imam Husain (a.s.) and at the same time approve of Yazid’s heinous crime against the former. Man treads on a particular path and leaves the path that runs contrary to it. It is impossible for him to choose two diverse paths.

There cannot be more diversity in any two things than the path of Imam (a.s.) and that of  Yazid. The former invited the people towards goodness and piety, while the latter incited the masses in the direction of corruption and vices. While Imam Husain (a.s.) tread the path of his grandfather, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), Yazid walked on the path of the accursed Shaitaan. Imam Husain (a.s.) embraced the path of excellent traits, protection of religion and a humane disposition, Yazid showed promptness in adopting the path of loathsome vices, destruction of religion and an inhumane character. While one path invites towards nobility, purity and honour, the other route beckons towards immorality, impurity and disgrace. The consequence of treading one path leads to Allah’s satisfaction and His proximity, while the result of adopting the other trail ends in His displeasure and wrath. If Imam’s (a.s.) discussion is enlivened in society, the contrasting nature of these paths will be apparent to all. This is because Imam (a.s.) is a beacon of guidance and leads a life to earn Allah’s complete satisfaction. At the same time, he (a.s.) has exposed the path that leads towards Allah’s anger and dissatisfaction. In the desert of Karbala, one not only sees the two diverse paths but can also see the people who tread on these paths.

The incident of Karbala highlights one important fact – in life one has to be prepared to face difficulties and tribulations. At every step there are trials and ordeals. In Karbala itself, there was an adversity at every moment. But all those who accompanied Imam (a.s.) in Karbala faced these difficulties most courageously and were never negligent of their enormous responsibilities. There is no incident of anyone in Karbala shirking his duty and departing from the realm of Islam by committing an act against the Shariat.  On the contrary, we see that an increase in adversity made these individuals more determined and steadfast.

Today, there are no difficulties and tribulations of the likeness of Karbala. Yet we see that there is no commitment to fulfil the obligation that religion has imposed upon us. In fact, whatever little commitment we see is only due to the sustained propagation of the incident of Karbala. Today we find unwillingness among Muslims to submit unconditionally to the decrees of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.s.). No doubt, we do abide by Islamic edicts, but there are times when our prejudices come into play and we give preference to our personal goals over those of the religion. Often our ego blemishes our actions. How can the one who testifies in the Unity of Allah (Tawheed) let his ego dictate his judgement in matters of religion?

One reason why the level of dedication in Karbala was without any parallel was due to the leadership of Imam Husain (a.s.). And with that leadership and guidance was the unconditional support and co-operation of Imam’s (a.s.) companions. These were the supporters who did not simply believe in the leadership of Imam (a.s.), but actually testified to it from every cell in their body. They had surrendered their personal view and judgement to Imam (a.s.) and had moulded their opinion into Imam’s (a.s.) conviction. Then they saw with Imam’s (a.s.) eyes and reflected with Imam’s (a.s.) mind. At every step they accepted the guidance of their Imam (a.s.) and acted as per his wishes. 

The chain of infallible leadership was not terminated by Allah and continues till date. It is our duty that we acquire the light, guidance and leadership from the Imam (a.t.f.s.) of our age. The fact of the matter is that our relationship with this guidance and leadership is weak and this in turn makes our bond with religion feeble and hence, we are unable to observe all religious tenets with steadfastness. Our biggest folly is that we try to observe religious tenets without Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) help and guardianship.

Our Imam (a.t.f.s.) maybe in occultation (ghaybat), but this does not have any impact on his leadership and guidance which continues regardless of whether he is apparent or not. If at this time, (while he is in occultation), we sincerely seek help from him, he will definitely answer our plea for help. If he helps us, then observing the most difficult religious tenets will seem very easy.

The period of mourning is one of the best opportunities to draw Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) attention towards ourselves. Indeed under Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) supervision and care, we can acquire the good fortune of being included among the companions of Imam Husain (a.s.).

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the successor of Imam Husain (a.s.), Hazrat Vali-e-Asr (may our souls be sacrificed for him), and with this we seek the best of taufeeqaat from Allah, the Almighty.

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By: Admin On 12/05/2013 09:49:00 pm

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News \ Redness of the soil of Imam Hussain AS holy grave in the 10th of muharram (Ashura)

 
A sample of soil which is being shown in Imam Hussain AS Holy Shrine Museum, which was taken from Imam Hussain AS grave, changed its color to red. The event happened on the morning of 10th of Muharram.
The manager of the museum stated,” the soil was taken from nearest spot of Imam Hussain AS grave, and it is being shown in the entrance of the museum of the holy shrine.
It was turned from its natural color to red today’s morning during reading the martyrdom story in the courtyard of the holy shrine.
Karbala TV live-broadcasted the event on while covering the ceremonies of Ashura”

 

By: Mohammed On 11/25/2012 10:31:00 pm

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Lebanese army arrests 5 terrorist over Ashoura attack plot

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The five Syrians were arrested in al-Maslakh neighborhood of Nabatieh.

Lebanese Shia commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, Prophet Mohammad’s grandson, by holding mass rallies in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the Bekaa, and several towns in the south.

The town of Nabatieh usually hosts the biggest such rally in the southern part of the country.

A statement posted on a website affiliated to Al-Qaeda had threatened earlier this year to target Shia in Lebanon over the alleged role of Hezbollah in backing President Bashar Assad.

By: Mohammed On 11/25/2012 08:07:00 pm

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Police Blocks Egyptian Shias from Mourning Ashura in Imam Hussein Mosque

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Egypt's police barred a number of Muslim Shias from entering Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo to mourning Satruday the holiday of Ashura.

On Ashura, Shia Muslims commemorate the martyring of Imam Hussein (pbuh), the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed(pbuh).

The decision to ban Shias from Al-Hussein Mosque reportedly came after a number Salafist Youth and a number of Sunni movements filed a complaint requesting that Shias be blocked from entering the mosque Saturday.

Meanwhile, Al-Azhar issued a statement warning against staging any celebrations in the mosque, saying that Ashura would only be celebrated through fasting and praying, adding that Egypt and Sunnis refuse any form of "heresy that will only cause sectarian conflict."

By: Mohammed On 11/25/2012 08:05:00 pm

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Bomb attack kills 7 Shia Muslims in Pakistan

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The attack targeted a Shia procession held to commemorate the martyrdom of third Shia Imam, Imam Hussein (PBUH), in Pakistan's northwest district of Dera Ismail Khan on Saturday morning.

Security forces have been on high alert over fears of large-scale attacks on Shia Muslims across the country, as al-Qaeda-linked militants have threatened to carry out more attacks against Shias.

Heavily armed militants have targeted similar religious ceremonies in different regions of the country over the past week.

Intelligence information indicates more attacks have been planned for the coming days against Shias in the capital city of Islamabad, Karachi and Quetta.

In Karachi, more than 5,000 police are expected to patrol the streets during the processions on Saturday and Friday.

Violence has escalated against Shia Muslims in different parts of Pakistan in recent months. Since the beginning of 2012, hundreds of Shias have been killed in various parts of the country.

On Thursday, thousands of Pakistanis held funeral prayers for at least 37 Shia Muslims who were killed in coordinated serial bomb attacks across major cities of the country.

The funeral ceremonies were held a day after dozens of Shia Muslims had been killed in three bomb attacks on religious gatherings in the southern port city of Karachi and the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening.

Human rights groups say hundreds of Shia Muslims have been killed in the violence-hit country so far this year.

Pakistan's pro-Taliban militants have launched a violent campaign against Shia Muslims over the past years. According to local sources, militants affiliated to Taliban and al-Qaeda terrorist groups have killed thousands of Shia Muslims in the region since the start of the campaign.

The country's Shia leaders have called on the government to form a judicial commission to investigate the bloodshed.

By: Mohammed On 11/25/2012 07:59:00 pm

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Shia Muslims mark martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein on Tasua

Shia Muslims around the world are commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussein (PBUH).

Millions of people, dressed in black, took to the streets and mosques on Saturday, the ninth day of the holy month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, to mourn the tragedy on a day known as Tasua. 

The annual commemoration is held in different regions of the world during various mourning rituals. Tasua comes a day before Ashura, which marks the day when Imam Hussein, along with 72 of his companions, was martyred in the battle against the second Umayyad caliph in Karbala, Iraq, more than 14 centuries ago. 

Ashura symbolizes the eternal and unwavering struggle of truth against falsehood and the battle against injustice and cruelty realized by Imam Hussein as he offered supreme sacrifice to uphold the principles against tyranny. 

On Tasua and Ashura, Iranian mourners hold special ceremonies in line with their local traditions in different cities and offering foods at public venues like mosques or at private residences. 


Source: Press TV

By: Mohammed On 11/24/2012 04:14:00 pm

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Jammu And Kashmir Police Attack On Muharram Procession In Srinagar

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police fired tear gas shells and used baton to disperse a Muharram procession in in Srinagar’s Batmaloo area on Friday. The mourners pelted stones on the police and a fierce clash is going on in the area.

Women and children were also attacked after the procession was taken out in the streets.

Ashura marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussein (RA), the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), in Karbala.

 The armoured vehicles had been parked at major junctions while concertina wires had been laid on the roads and city entry points to stop the movement of people.

Authorities on Friday imposed curfew like restrictions in Srinagar city to thwart any attempt to take out Muharram procession following apprehensions that separatists might convert the religious gathering into a political assembly. Strict prohibitory orders under section 144 were imposed in areas falling under Kothibagh, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Shaheedgunj police stations of the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

The officials said the restrictions in these areas were imposed due to apprehensions that separatist groups might attempt to stage anti-national protests during Muharram processions on Friday. Sources said the authorities feared protests over Hardline Hurriyat conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s call for protests after Friday prayers against the situation in Gaza and BJP’s increased rhetoric demanding hanging of 2001 Parliament attack death row convict Afzal Guru.

Successive governments in the state have been disallowing traditional processions on the eighth and tenth of Muharram since the armed insurgency broke out in the late 80′s.Meanwhile, from last 12 years for shias in kashmir it is a ban to come out with procession on muharram but the Shia Muslims of Indian held Kashmir had been taken out the processions on these days by violating the Government restrictions.

Heavy contingents of police were deployed outside the residences of the leaders and were conveyed to stay indoors.

By: Mohammed On 11/24/2012 02:43:00 am

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Four martyred, several including a reporter injured in 2 blasts near Imam Bargah

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Four persons were martyred and several others including a reporter were injured in 2 blasts near an Imam Bargah that rocked district West of Karachi on Wednesday.

Shia Muslims were preparing for mourning congregation (Majlis-e-Aza) to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) when a huge explosion shook the entire area.

As a result of the blast, 3 persons were killed on the spot. However, DIG West Javed Odho said that head of a dead was found from the scene therefore he was sure it could have been a suicide attack.

“Bomb Disposal Squad had earlier cleared the Imam Bargah and surrounding area,” said a trustee of Imam Bargah Haider-e-Karrar Orangi Town No.5.

Initial inquiry report says either it was a suicidal attack or the bomb was planted in a motorcycle parked at the tire-puncture shop near Imam Bargah-e-Haidar-e-Karrar (AS) in Orangi Town No.5. The victims of the blast were Sunni Muslims even though the takfiri nasbi terrorists tried to target Shiites in particular.

Within less than an hour, second blast occurred at the main gate of Imam Bargah in which some persons including Shia Muslims were severely injured. One of them embraced martyrdom. Kiran Khan, reporter of Dunya News channel was also injured in the explosion. The injured and the deceased were taken to hospital for treatment and postmortem.

Shia leaders and parties have condemned the huge explosion near Imam Bargah and held the government equally responsible for the anti-Shia terrorism. They said that a particular takfiri mindset was perpetrating genocide of Shiites across Pakistan but government and its agencies have failed to eliminate them.

By: Mohammed On 11/21/2012 09:11:00 pm

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Bahraini Security Forces Arrest Shia Preachers During Mourning for Imam Hussain (A)

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Bahraini security forces arrested yesterday a number of Shia orators/preachers as they were addressing Bahrainis on the occasion of the day of Ashura – a religious Shia-Muslim holiday – The religious figures were arrested while honoring the death of Hussein – grandson to Prophet Mohammed, an extremely important figure in Islam.

The sources pointed out that among the detainees were -- Kamel al-Hashimi, Sheikh Hassan Alaley, Sheikh Jaafar Alsaegh, and Ahmed Al Majid.  The voice of Manama – a local newspaper - couldn’t confirm the accuracy of the information at the time of printing.

Lawyer Abdullah Alshamlawy said via Twitter – social network - “Hashemi is undergoing an interrogation at the Budaiya police Centre, where he is being detained.” The news was denied later on by the authorities. Officials maintained they had no knowledge of Hashemi whereabouts.

Amal – the Association of Islamic Action issued a statement warning against the government’s practice, stressing such a blatant crackdown on religious figures in Bahrain were deeply disturbing and proof that the regime was willing to stoop to religious repression to assert its hold over the country. They called for immediate action as it said never before Bahrain witnessed such intense sectarian crackdown.

Amal confirmed that Shia preacher Kamel Alhashemi - west of Beni Jamra - was called in by the regime and detained for 48 hours. Preachers Alradud Alhaji Abba Dhar Al-Halwagi and Sheikh Hassan, Alhaj Jafar Al-Shamrook had been arrested.

Amal called for the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience, urging activists around the world to mobilize for Bahrain.


The Day of Ashura (Arabic: عاشوراء‎ ʻĀshūrā’; Persian: عاشورا; Turkish: Aşure Günü) is on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks the climax of the Mourning of Muharram.

It is commemorated by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram in the year 61 AH (October 10, 680 CE).

By: Mohammed On 11/20/2012 05:26:00 pm

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Bahrain Regime Targets Shia Religious Rituals and Vandalizes Ashura Displays

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Al-Wefaq's media center said that the regime is tightening against citizens' religious freedoms and practice of religious rituals, as it has conducted a series of attacks on displays of Ashura in some areas around the country.

It further clarified that the forces' attacks on religious freedoms comes amongst ongoing attacks against citizens revealing the mentality of the forces, and that such acts can only be perpetrated under high-ranked orders.

The media center pointed out that the Ashura event has been yearly held in Bahrain for as far as hundreds of years, and this reveals the deviant mentality of the regime forces against citizens. As the forces attack and provoke citizens rather than protect them.

Regarding threats by officials against religious freedoms, the median center stated that suppression of religious freedoms and freedom to practice religious rituals is a dangerous that the regime solely bears responsibility of.

Ashura is held in most countries around the world, even non-Islamic countries. The event yearly takes place in Europe, America, Africa, Australia and the Asian countries, yet, has not been attacked anywhere around the globe except Bahrain, where the regime disrespects and targets religious freedoms, it said.

Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society called on citizens to document each and every violation and the regime forces' harassments and intimidating behavior towards religious freedoms.

Al-Wefaq's media center affirmed that religious freedoms in Bahrain are not subject to political use or bargaining, as the different sects of the Bahraini people have long respected these rituals and lived in harmony. The only one who appears not able to live with this is the regime that continuously attacks these rituals.

It further said that Ashura has been the front image of national unity, as both Sunni and Shia citizens have participated in this ritual, and the regime attempts to bring discord and build conflict in order to achieve its goals.


The Day of Ashura (Arabic: عاشوراء‎ ʻĀshūrā’; Persian: عاشورا; Turkish: Aşure Günü) is on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks the climax of the Mourning of Muharram.

It is commemorated by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram in the year 61 AH (October 10, 680 CE).

By: Mohammed On 11/20/2012 02:10:00 am

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Husseini dome’s red standard replaced as Moharram starts

HOLY KARBALA, Iraq: Declaring the start of month of grief and sorrow – Moharram -, red standard on the holy golden dome of Husseini shrine in the holy city of Karbala was replaced with a black one.

Soon after the office of Al-Marje Al-Aala Sayyed Ali Al-Husseini As-Sistani announced that Friday November 16 is first Moharram, the flag replacing ceremony was held on Thursday November 15 evening at the Husseini shrine compound after Maghrebayn prayers as a sign that Husseini season began.

In view of millions of believers and in presence of tens of thousands including political, social and religious figures, the ceremony was held.

The color of the standard means much. Red color is a symbol that the personality lying under this tomb was killed unjustly and his revenge has not been taken yet, and that Al-Imam Saheb Al-Asr (A) will take revenge from the killers.

It has been a practice that during the mourning months of Moharram and Safar, red standard is replaced with a black one to signify sufferings of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (A), his Ahl-i-Bayt (A) and companions.

It is worth noting that at the same time, standards at holy shrines throughout Iraq i.e. Imamayn Al-Jawwadain (AS), Al-Imam Ali (AS), Al-Imamayn Al-Askariyain (AS), Muslim bin Aqeel (AS) and also in Iran at the holy shrine of Sayyedah Fatimah Al-Masumah bint Al-Imam Moussa Al-Kadhim (AS) are replaced with the black ones.

The ceremony started with recitation of Quran verses.

Then at the mourning beat of drums to salute Al-Imam Al-Hussein (AS), while the mourners were chanting and crying: “Ya Hussein … Ya Shaheed (O martyr) … Ya Habib Rasul Allah (O the favorite of Allah’s Prophet)”, the standard was replaced with weeping hearts and eyes.

Later, the mourners marched to the holy shrine of Al-Abbas bin Ali (AS) where the same ceremony was held. The ceremony culminated with a majlis al-aza at the shrine.

By: Mohammed On 11/17/2012 01:45:00 am

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Majalis mark Husseini mourning period beginning across globe

PARIS, France: As soon as the crescent of the month of Muharram appeared on sky, mourners of Hazrat Imam Hussain b. Ali b. Abi Talib (S), holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S)’s grandson, across the globe wore black mourning dresses, spread mourning carpets in Imambargahs, Imambaras, Ashour-Khanas, Aza-Khanas, Hussainiyaat and Islamic centers, and decorated relics.

During this mourning period (Muharram 1 – Rabi-ol Awwal 8), rich homage is paid to the great matchless sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (S) and his 72 companions presented in Karbala some 14 centuries ago.

Touching voices of lamentations “Ya Hussain (S) and Wa Hussaina (S)” are being heard from every nook and corner and tears are being gushed out of every eye with intense grief over the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (S) along with his near and dear ones in the burning plain of Karbala at the hands of Yazid (L) in 61 AH.

In some countries, Muharram crescent was sighted on November 14 while in some others on November 15.

According to authentic traditions the Chief of Martyrs Imam Hussain (S) had sighted the crescent of Muharram 61 AH when he reached “Manzil-e-Ashraaf” passing through different places after he departed the holy city of Makkah for Iraq.

Whenever Hazrat Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (S) sighted the Muharram crescent, his grief increased. People used to come to him for condolence, consolation and matam.

A saying of Imam Reza (AS) goes: “In the month of Muharram nobody had ever seen my father (S) happy and merry. During this month he remained in continuous grief and pain and on the 10th of this month he was used to say, ‘Today Imam Hussain (S) was martyred brutally’.”

Muharram is that dignified month which became the kernel and fountainhead of defensive front for the protection of Din and Shariah by matchless and unparalleled sacrifices rendered by the grandson of Rasool-us-Saqalain (S), his companions and lofty family.

In previous times in Indian city of Lucknow, as the Muharram crescent was sighted, the brood and youth were prohibited from laughing; married women even newly married weds were asked to smash their bangles; wear out red outfits. Mouth-watering dishes were prevented till the 40th day of Imam (S) on Safar 20 rather for 2 months and 8 days; Desserts were not prepared; Sweet dishes were put on the table on Rabi-ul-Awwal 9; fish was also not allowed. Cold drink was considered the best tabarruk in majalis even in the winters and patients after drinking it became healthy. The word of drink (sharbat) is found in the original words of Imam Hussain (AS) “Shi’ati in sharibtum maa azbun...” (O friends! when you drink sweet water remind my thirst…).

By: Mohammed On 11/17/2012 01:43:00 am

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Maxims of Imam Husain (a.s.)

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Quran,

“Surely We have shown him the way. Then he can either be grateful or ungrateful”

(Surah Dahr (76): 3)

The Benevolent Lord established and sent forth a series of Prophets (a.s.) to mankind for its success, in this world as well as the hereafter. These chosen servants of Allah were responsible for teaching and explaining the divine laws to mankind. Allah sent forth 124,000 Prophets (a.s.) for this task. One Prophet succeeded another to explain the divine teachings to his nation. They instructed the people on the correct way of living in line with divine laws. Those who paid heed to their sayings and acted accordingly became like Habeel and those who rejected their words and did not give it much importance, became like Qabeel. Even today we find numerous examples of this Quranic Verse – ‘We have given them (people) complete freedom regarding following our messengers. If they want they can be grateful or they can be ungrateful. History is replete with both kinds of people – the good ones as well as the evil ones.

Undoubtedly, we, the nation of our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) are more blessed than the other nations because we have been fortunate to obtain the religious laws and teachings from that Prophet who is the ‘Pride of all Messengers’. This very Prophet (s.a.w.a) declared at one time ‘I am from Husain’. Imam Husain (a.s.) was not just the grandson of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) but he was also the heir of the past prophets like Hazrat Adam (a.s.), Hazrat Nuh (a.s.), Hazrat Musa (a.s.) and Hazrat Isa (a.s.). He was also the heir of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), Janabe Khadija (s.a.) and Janabe Zahra (s.a.). In this article, we will try to derive benefit from a few maxims of Imam Husain (a.s.).

1. “The one who loves you will reprimand you, while the one who hates you will praise you.”

(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 78, pg. 128)

Through this tradition, Imam Husain (a.s.) defines a true friend and well wisher; he is the one who draws our attention to our short comings. On the contrary, a person who praises us falsely and prevents us from improving ourselves is in fact an enemy because he hinders us from walking on the path of truth and salvation.

2. “The one who solves even one problem of a believer, Allah will solve all his problems of this world as well the Hereafter.”

(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 78, pg. 122)

This is one of the best traditions on the subject of solving the difficulties of believers. It encourages mutual cooperation and maintaining of brotherhood among believers. It contains the solution to all our troubles. The list of our worldly problems is extensive; add to this the indescribable tribulations of the Hereafter – whose intensity is beyond our comprehension. But may our lives be sacrificed on this oppressed Imam (a.s.) who has shown us an easy method and avenue to obtain salvation – by
solving the problems of our believer brethren.

3. “The intellect can never achieve perfection except by following the truth.”

(Behaarul Anwaar vol. 78, pg. 118)

The intellect (Aql) of an individual helps in distinguishing between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, permitted (halal) and prohibited (haram), light and darkness etc. But most people act and decide against the truth. There are many reasons behind this. Prejudice, greed, avarice, and other base human desires are some of the causes that make people abandon the path of truth and embrace falsehood. All these mental corruptions are indications of a flawed intellect. It is for this very reason that Imam Husain (a.s.) has clearly enumerated the recipe for a perfect intellect – treading the path of truth. Until man does not welcome truth, his intellect will remain imperfect. Such an individual can never be expected to make a correct judgment because he has forsaken the path of truth and righteousness.

4. “Surely, I consider death as happiness and life among the oppressors as humiliation and disgrace.”

(Tuhaf al-Oqool, pg. 245)

This single saying of Imam Husain (a.s.) has influenced many nations in their attempts to change their destinies. These words of Imam (a.s.) that ‘death with dignity is better than a life of humiliation’ was a slap on the face of tyrants like Umar ibn Saad (may Allah curse him) and other Arab leaders who – fearing their lives or in their greed for worldly gains, had given allegiance to a despot like Yazid. Imam (a.s.) gave preference to death with honour than to a life of disgrace. May our lives be sacrificed on the son of Janabe Fatima (s.a.). He (a.s.) embraced death and gave eternal life to an ailing and feeble humanity. This saying of Imam (a.s.) is a source of inspiration for every oppressed individual who is no longer afraid to face death.

5. “People are slaves of the world and religion is only (like a morsel) on their tongues. They keep turning the morsel in their mouths. But when tested with difficulties, the religious are very few.”

(Tuhaf al-Oqool, p. 245)

This saying of our oppressed Imam (a.s.) has proved correct in every era. In every religion and in every community there have been people who are slaves of the world and exploit religion for their personal gains. People – learned as well as laymen – prefer to follow only those religious laws that are compatible with their interests and mode of thinking. The moment they are confronted with some calamity, (which is an inseparable part of man’s life), they tread the path of denial (Kufr) and deviate from the ‘Straight Path’. And in the words of Imam (a.s.) ‘the religious are very few’.

If we look at the events leading to   Karbala  , we find that as many as 70,000 Muslims had sworn allegiance to Janabe Muslim Ibn Aqeel (a.s.). But after being threatened by Ibne Ziyad, the accursed, there remained only one individual who stood by Janabe Muslim (a.s.) and was willing to help him.

In the end, let us pray to Allah, the Almighty, that He keeps us steadfast on the ‘Straight Path’, especially in calamities. This is the only way we can hope to be included in the ranks of those who avenge the blood of Imam Husain (a.s.) under the banner of Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.). Aameen!

http://www.almuntazar.com/?p=202

By: Admin On 11/15/2012 04:14:00 pm

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Moharram Majalis at Zainabia and Rizvi College

By: Admin On 11/12/2012 03:25:00 pm

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