Archive for month: October, 2015

Shiite begin mourning from the first night of Muharram and continue for ten nights, climaxing on the 10th of Muharram, known as the Day of Ashura. The last few days up until and including the Day of Ashura are the most important because these were the days in which Imam Hussein and his family and followers (including women, children and elderly people) were deprived of water from the 7th onward and on the 10th, Imam Hussain and 72 of his followers were martyred or subjected to humiliation by the army of tyrant Yazid I at the Battle of Karbala on Yazid’s orders. The surviving members of Imam Hussein’s family and those of his followers were taken captive, marched to Damascus, and imprisoned there.

The Mourning of Muharram, Remembrance of Muharram, or Muharram Observances, is a set of rituals associated with Shia Islam, which takes place in Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Many of the events associated with the ritual take place in congregation halls known as Hussainia.

The commemoration of the event during yearly mourning season, from first of Muharram to twentieth of Safar with Ashura comprising the focal date, serves to define Shia communal identity. At present, Muharram Observances are carried around the world from East to West and from North to South.

The words Azadari (Persian: عزاداری) which mean mourning and lamentation; and Majalis-e Aza have been exclusively used in connection with the remembrance ceremonies for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Majalis-e Aza, also known as Aza-e Husayn, includes mourning congregations, lamentations, matam and all such actions which express the emotions of grief and above all, repulsion against what tyrant Yazid stood for.

The following photos are the first, second, third and fourth nights of Muharram 1437 in Jannusan of Bahrain.

He added that all of the faithful, no matter following which religion or sect, should benefit from the virtues and teachings of this uplifting school.

The senior scholar at Islamic Sharia Research Center in Beirut also stressed that preachers and eulogists should use the Ashura mourning ceremonies as an opportunity for enhancing Islamic unity.

The uprising of Imam Hussein (AS) focused on the theme of Tawhid (monotheism) and revolved around fighting injustice and oppression, Fadlallah further stated.

He noted that the issue of spreading justice and combating injustice is something that attracts followers of all faiths.

The cleric went on to say that Ashura mourning ceremonies should not be limited to elegies but the objectives of Imam Hussein (AS) uprising should also be clarified for the mourners. 

Shia Muslims, and others in different parts of the world, have been holding ceremonies starting from Thursday, to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions in the month of Muharram.

Imam Hussein (AS) and a small group of his followers and family members were martyred by the tyrant of his time – Yazid Bin Moaweya.

They were martyred in the battle of Karbala on Ashura- the tenth day of Muharram which is the first month on the lunar calendar.

Muharram mourning ceremonies reach their climax at noon on Ashura.

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Commemoration ceremonies for Imam Hussain can be found all over the Islamic Republic of Iran during this Islamic month of Moharram. However a gathering in Tehran reflects to the extent that not only did the message of Imam Hussain, the message of truth, not die on the plains of Karbala, it is very much alive.

Mourners who originate from many different countries, such as the United States, South Africa, Australia and so many other places prove that by Imam Hussain laying down his life in Karbala, almost 1400 years ago, he kept the message of Allah alive and spread the truth to the four corners of the earth.

These foreigners, who have either temporarily or permanently relocated to Iran, have the opportunity to mourn and commemorate Imam Hussain in their native English language. This group offers a unique opportunity to its members to have these religious gatherings in English, where they can make a closer connection to the tragedy of Karbala and the legacy left behind.

“Every day is Ashura and everywhere is Karbala” is being reflected upon in these gatherings of eastern and western Muslims who say they are ready to answer the call of Imam Hussain, “Is there anyone to help me?”

Those in Tehran who are interested in participating in the gathering can attend it at Eyvan-e Shams Hall located at the beginning of Kurdistan Expressway, between Golha Sq. and Chamran Expressway, every night at Maghrib, beginning with prayers. It will last until the 11th of Moharram. The programs are opened to the public, preferably those who understand English.

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