In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
Oh Allah, what did he find who lost You and what did he lose who found You? – Imam Hussain (‘A)
Muharram – The Month of Grief in memory of the Tragedy of Karbala
The Islamic New Year commences in a few days and with it begins the commemoration of the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (‘a); the grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam together with his family members and his companions, which took place in Karbala, Iraq in 61 A.H.
This is a normally the busiest month in the calendar of the Shia Community, unfortunately this year the situation is different due to the global COVID-19 Pandemic which has engulfed many countries. As a result of this awful Pandemic, many of the Imambarghas and Hussainiyas shall remain closed, with the exception of just a few.
Alhamdullilah, we have noticed that the Community worldwide are coming up with several alternative initiatives to observe the commemoration of Muharram, also Scholars and Nouha/Marsia reciters are sharing links of their online lectures and recitations for the first 12 days, indeed this is a testimony that the commemoration of the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (‘a) and the Martyrs of Karbala will be kept alive forever in the hearts of the true believers.
On the tenth day of the sacred Islamic month of Muharram – the day of Ashura – in the year 61 A.H. (October 10, 680 CE) approximately 50 years after the death of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww), his beloved grandson, Imam Hussain (‘a) along with members of his family and the faithful companions, a mere 72 in number were martyred mercilessly while they were defending Humanity, Justice and Islamic Values against the large army of evil forces sent by Yazid ibn Mu’awiya ibn Abi Sufyan under the command of Umar ibn Sa’ad to fight Imam’s caravan of 72 which included elderly and children in the desert plains of Karbala, Iraq. The Day of Ashura is known as the darkest and saddest day in Islamic history.
The battle of Karbala and the Valor and Noble Sacrifice of Imam Hussain (‘a), some 1400 years ago was all for the cause of Admonishing Evil and Spreading Good, Justice, Equality and pure love for Humanity.
As we commemorate the great martyrdom of Imam Hussain (‘a), we learn lessons from his noble mission and grand convictions. Understanding what happened to the Imam and his faithful companions in the history of Islam provides a light for the future. Understanding his actions creates an inspiring and invigorating effect in our thoughts, our hearts and souls. The inspiration derived from the lessons of Karbala and the Imam’s sacrifices should lead us to contemplate, reflect and transform our lifestyles and actions to bring about the change which we need most during this critical era for the development of the religion of Islam, the Madhhab of Ahlulbayt (‘a) and Community’s progress.
Imam Hussain (‘a)’s Prayer on the Day of Ashura
“O Allah! It is Thee in whom I trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. Thou are my refuge and provision in everything that happens to me. How many grievances weaken the heart, leaving me with no means to handle them, during which friend deserts me, and enemy rejoices in it. I lay it before Thee and complain of it to Thee, because of my desire in Thee, Thee alone. You relieve me of it and remove it from me. Thou are the Master of all Grace, the Essence of Goodness, and the Ultimate Resort of all Desire.”
Supplication
Let us pray to Allah (SWT) for the sanctity and protection of the Holy Shrines in Iraq, Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia, protection from the Covid-19 Pandemic, freedom and safety of the oppressed people of the world from oppression and tyranny.
May Allah (SWT) grant us all an opportunity to perform Hajj – pilgrimage to Makkah and to perform the Ziyarat of the Holy Prophet of Islam (saww), the Holy Imams (‘a), the Martyrs of Karbala and the faithful companions of the Holy Prophet of Islam (saww) and the Holy Imams (‘a) in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran and Syria – Ameen.
Please let us also remember all the past leaders of our Community, Volunteers and all other Marhumeen with recitation of Sura-e-Fateha for the maghferat of their souls.
The Day of Ashura is expected to fall on Sunday 30th August 2020 all over the world.
Those who may wish to contribute any kind of donations towards the various programs and events of Muharram and Safar 1442 A.H., please contact Africa Federation Secretariat in Dar es Salaam by email: [email protected] or you can donate directly via our Website: www.africafederation.org
LABBAYKA YA HUSSAIN
Shabir Najafi
Chairman
17th August 2020
