MUHARRAM 1434 A.H. (2012) ACTIVITIES REPORT
On the 15th day of November, 2012, the Shia Community worldwide mark the first month of the Islamic calendar (Muharram), which brings with it the memory of the sacrifice of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam Hazrat Muhammad al-Mustafa (SAWW), and his noble family and companions on the day of Ashura in Kerbala, Iraq.
Above: Imam Hussein (AS) Mausoleum in Kerbala, Iraq being visited by millions of pilgrims each year.
The tragic event occurred in the plains of Kerbala, Iraq in 61 AH resulting in the brutal massacre of Imam Hussein (AS) and his 72 companions, including children and old followers by the well equipped army of the Bani Ummayad Caliph, the despotic Yazid son of Muawiya ibn Abi Sufiyan and the arch enemy of Islam.
Millions of Muslims throughout the world commemorate martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS). It endeavors to manifest the divinely ordained duty on the followers of Islam to raise their voices against all forms of oppression, injustice and tyranny.
The month of Muharram is the month of grief and sorrow, and is also the time for reflection and contemplation to do good and justice to mankind from all walks of life in the world we live in.
Every year, it is during these important days when we rejuvenate our faith and strengthen our beliefs while pondering on the greatest sacrifice in the human history that of the grandson of Holy prophet (SAWW) our third Holy Imam Hussein (A.S.). The Shia community of Uganda are no exceptional, they mourn with heartbreaking ceremonies of the great martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).
BILAL LIBRARY, KAMPALA
For 10 days of Muharram majalis conducted after Maghribayn prayers at Bilal Public Library, Kampala. Informative and educative lectures were delivered on various topics related to the importance of remembering the martyrs of Karbala, lessons from the sacrifice of Imam Hussein (AS) into our lives, etc. Azadari and Maátam were performed daily after every Majlis. During Ashura commemoration, the lecture program concluded with Ziyarat-e-Ashura and Ziyarat-e-Waritha.
SWADIQ CENTRE, MAKINDYE KAMPALA
Daily majalis were held and informative lectures were delivered on various topics remembering the martyrs of karbala, and the lessons we learned from the sacrifices of the Ahlulbayt (AS) in the cause of humanity and Islam.
On the day of Ashura programme, started by reciting the Holy Qur’an, Lectures, Sermons were conducted by the Sheikhs where the gathering were advised and encouraged to practice Taqwa (piety) and learn lessons from the lives of Ahlulbayt (AS) – The Holy Progeny of the Holy Prophet of Islam with struggle encountered by them especially on the tragedy of Karbala and the aftermath of this event.
Majlis was recited followed by Azadari of Ma’atam and Ziyarat-e-Ashura was recited after the Dhuhurayn prayers.
RADIO AND TV PROGRAMME:
There was an arrangement from Bilal Muslim Mission – Uganda to send Sheikhs, to radio Stations and Television to give out presentations about Ashura and tragedy of Imam Hussein’s Martyrdom (a.s).
In this arrangement, Sheikh Yousuf Muniir was sent to Star TV and Sheikh Muhammad Mukasa to Radio Uganda for presentations.
Participation in First Uganda’s Procession
The first Ashura procession was organized by the management of Darbar-e-Hussainy with the cooperation of members of Bilal Muslim Mission Uganda and Khoja Jamaat. All communities of different sects had participated. Students and Sheikhs of Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda from different centres also participated in the procession.
Speeches were delivered by Scholars from different sects remembering the martyrs of Karbala, lessons from the sacrifice of Imam Hussein (AS) into our lives. It can be viewed by the following link:- http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=RiKrgwWgWoE
Secretariat
Bilal Muslim Mission of Uganda