Salamun alaykum,
Commencement of New year:
Today, the first day of the month of Muharram heralds the commencement
of another Islamic year: 1447 A.H. The New Year commences with
commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn a.s. - beloved grandson
of Noble Prophet Muhammad.SAWW.
This year 1386 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.
Burning flame:
So profound would be the effect of this martyrdom on man, that the Noble
Prophet had foretold this by saying, “Surely there exists in the heart of
believers, with respect to the martyrdom of Husayn, such a heat that never
subsides.”
As the years pass by the commemoration of this heartrending event
MashAllah is observed with even greater fervour. Alhamdulillah, in our
lifetime we are blessed with another opportunity to take part in the Azadari -
mourning ceremonies.
Let us take advantage of this gift of life and utilize this opportunity to be in
service of Sayyida Fatima al Zahra a.s.; the bereaved mother. Let us
express abundant shukr to Allah SWT for this blessing.
What was the aim of Imam Husayn a.s.?
It was indeed against all odds that Imam Husayn a.s. together with his
devoted companions bravely stood up to reform the Ummah, enjoin the
righteousness, forbid the wrongdoing and establish the laws of Allah which
had been neglected. The stance of Imam Husayn a.s. together with his
devoted companions to oppose the tyranny of Yazid bin Muawiya is an
outstanding commitment of serving the Lord.
Reflect: Therefore, isn’t the above expected of one who performs Azadari?
Otherwise, wouldn’t Azadari without the presence of mind and heart to
uphold the above values would result being performed just as a tick box
exercise?
27 th June, 2025
Issue No: 471 1 st Muharram, 1447 A.H.
Days of Azadari:
“With the advent of Muharram, my father (i.e. 7 th Imam al Kadhim a.s.)
would never be seen laughing; gloom and sadness would overcome him for
(the first) ten days of the month; and when the tenth day of the month
would dawn, it would be a day of tragedy, grief and weeping for him.”
(Imam Ali ar Ridha a.s.)
Azadari: Why?
The various deeds of Azadari during the mourning months of Muharram and
Safar, especially the commemoration of Ashura every year are an essential
platform to keep alive these tragic moments of history. They serve to
remind us of the sacrifices of the righteous Imam Husayn a.s. and his
devoted companions against the brutal tyrant Yazid bin Muawiya. It
reconnects us with these personalities who attained lofty status of
martyrdom.
This reconnection makes us aware of the devoted martyrs of Karbala and
brings about revival in our commitment to the mission of Imam Husayn a.s.
In addition, Azadari provides us with a compass; both spiritual and moral
signposts to lead our lives in serving our Lord Allah SWT.
Our devotion to Azadari:
Whilst it is only Allah SWT who can fathom the sincerity of our Azadari, let
us look within ourselves and reflect how is one growing towards being with
Imam Husayn a.s. or becoming Husayni?
What is your response?
How is one responding to the final call of Imam Husayn a.s. 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 chanting ‘Ya Husayn’, are we responding positively to his call for
support? Are we becoming Husayni; i.e. being with Imam Husayn for the
objectives he had set out from Madina? How tough are you in shunning the
ways of Yazid? In our life journey are we responding to the direction being
given to us by the spiritual and moral compass provided to us by
azadari?
The responses will InshAllah ignite our devotion and service to Allah SWT.
أَعظَمَ اللهُ أُجُورَنا و أُجُورَكُم بِمُصابِنا بِالحُسَين ع
May Allah make our and your reward great for our mourning for Imam al-Husayn (as)
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.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas,
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat