Issue No: 247
16th October 2015
2nd Muharram 1437 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
In Dhulhijjah, the month concluding the Islamic year, one of the important occasions is Eid ul Adhha – the festival of sacrifice- The festivity is to celebrate the commitment of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah SWT through his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail. History records the bravery of Nabi Ibrahim against the Tyrant Ruler Nimrud.
Commencement of the year:
This week heralds the commencement of another Islamic year: 1437 A.H. The new year commences by commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn a.s. - beloved grandson of Noble Prophet Muhammad.
With the coming of Muharram this year, 1376 years have passed since Ashura, 10th Muharram in the year 61 A.H. when the tragic event of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn a.s. along with a little band of over seventy family members and companions in Karbala took place.
So profound would be the effect of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn a.s. 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.”
MashAllah, as the years pass by the commemoration of this heartrending event is observed with even greater fervour. In our life time we are blessed with another opportunity to take part in the Azadari - mourning ceremonies for the martyrs. Let us express abundant shukr to Allah SWT for this blessing.
Azadari: Why?
The various deeds of Azadari during the mourning months of Muharram and Safar, especially the commemoration of Ashura every year serves to remind us of the sacrifices of the righteous Imam Husayn and his devoted companions against the brutal tyrant Yazid bin Muawiya. It reconnects us with these personalities who attained lofty status of martyrdom.
Azadari provides us with a compass; spiritual and moral signposts to lead our lives. This reconnection makes us aware of the devoted martyrs of Karbala and brings about revival in our commitment to upholding faith.
What did the martyrs do?
Imam Husayn and his devoted companions bravely stood up to reform the Ummah, enjoin the righteousness, forbid the wrong doing and establish the laws of Allah which had been neglected.
Isn’t this expected of one who performs azadari ?
Our devotion to Azadari:
Whilst it is only Allah SWT who is able to fathom the sincerity of our Azadari, let us look within ourselves and reflect how we are responding to the final call of Imam Husayn on the day of Ashura when he proclaimed, “Is there any helper who will come to assist us? Is there anyone who will respond to our call for help?”
When raising our voices with chants of ‘Ya Husayn’, are we responding positively to his call for support? Are we being with Imam Husayn for the objectives he had set out from Madina? In our life journey are we responding to the direction being given by the compass provided to us by azadari?
May Allah make great our reward and your reward, for our grief on Husayn a.s. May He place us and you from those who help his cause with His representative, the guided Imam from the family of Muhammad, peace be on them.
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Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat