Issue No: 216
14th November 2014
20th Muharram 1436 A.H.
Salamun alaykum
With the sighting of the crescent of Muharram a complete change comes about in one's lifestyle. The plans for a day will certainly include setting time specially for participating in azadari; various ceremonies commemorating the tragedy of Karbala.
As the years pass by the commemoration of this heartrending event is observed with even greater fervour.
So profound would be the effect of this martyrdom on man, that the Noble Prophet had foretold, "Surely there exists in the heart of believers, with respect to the martyrdom of Husayn, such a heat that never subsides."
In our life time we are blessed with another opportunity to take part in the Azadari - mourning ceremonies. The various deeds of Azadari during the mourning months of Muharram and Safar, especially the commemoration of Ashura on the 10th of Muharram are undertaken every year with utmost zeal and devotion. The focus of each and every azadar- mourner- is solely towards Aba Abdillah Imam Husayn a.s. Voices are passionately raised calling out 'Ya Husayn' : O Husayn here I am.
Whilst one intensely reaches out to Imam Husayn through azadari has one reflected on the qualities of the martyrs of Karbala?
What virtues does Aba Abdillah desire from the shias to merit a response from him?
To whom does Aba Abdillah respond?
Azadari: a compass
Azadari serves to remind us of the sacrifices of the righteous against the brutal tyrant Yazid bin Muawiya. It reconnects us with the personalities who provide us with a spiritual and moral compass to lead our lives. It makes us aware of the devoted martyrs who bravely stood up to reform the Ummah, enjoin the righteousness, forbid the wrong doing, establish the laws of Allah which had been neglected.
Whilst it is only Allah SWT who is able to fathom the sincerity of our Azadari, let us look within ourselves and reflect how are we responding to the final call of Imam Husayn on the day of Ashura: "Is there any helper who will come to assist us? Is there anyone who will respond to our call for help?"
When raising your voices with Ya Husayn, is it generating the 'dynamic heat' to respond positively to this call? Are you being with Imam Husayn for the objectives he had set out from Madina?
How committed are you today in upholding the values for which Imam Husayn and his noble companions achieved martyrdom?
May Allah SWT enable us to mould our living with Imam Husayn as our role Model.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat