Ref: AK/PR/2015/65
Fourteen Centuries ago, Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A.S.) took a selfless stand in the face of oppression, despotism and injustice in the society he lived in. His message remains today an inspiration for generations across the globe. In the tradition of his grandfather Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W.W.) and his father Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.), he promoted the principles of freedom, justice and social equality.
“Imam Husain’s (A.S.) sacrifice is for all groups and communities, an example of the path of righteousness.”
– Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (First Prime Minister of India)
A Mission of upholding Moral Values, Justice and Human Dignity in Pure Sense.
Imam Hussain (A.S.) lived under the most difficult conditions of suppression and persecution. The tyrannical and immoral leader of the era named Yazid ibn Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufiyan, sought Imam Hussain’s allegiance to justify his oppression in the name of religion. Imam had a choice to make: accept these conditions or make a stand that would cost him his life.
He showed great courage and determination to fight for values that today we often take for granted: equality, freedom of speech and the right to live with respect and dignity. Even when he and his 72 companions and family members were cornered in the desert plains of Karbala – present day Iraq – by Yazd’s army of 30,000 soldiers, Hussain did not back down and compromise his values.
Imam Hussain’s (A.S.) stance before and during the tragic event in Karbala showed that victory is not achieved by superiority in numbers and military might, but rather by perseverance, exemplary moral conduct, steadfast belief in truth and in the divine values.
“I learned from Hussain how to achieve victory while being oppressed.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Why blood donation?
One of the lessons we learn from Imam Hussain (A.S.) is to be selfless and give from ourselves for the benefit of humanity. We want you to be inspired by Hussain’s legacy too and give blood to save lives for the sake of the wider community in need.
“..And whoever saves one life, it is as if he saved the whole of mankind…”
Holy Qur’an 5:32
Blood Donation Reports:
Antananarivo – Madagascar:
The Medical Committee of the Regional Council of Madagascar (CROI) in collaboration with the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Tananarive in Madagascar organized blood donation camp at Mehfil-e-Hussain (A.S.) in Ankorondrano on 17th & 18th October night whereby our brothers and sisters donated 187 units of blood in the name of Imam Hussain (A.S.) to the Central Blood Bank.
Kampala – Uganda:
The KSI Jamaat of Kampala as usual arranged its blood drive donation on the day of Ashura and for the first time they extended invitation to the Bohora and the Ismaili Communities. Also, an invitation was also extended to the Indian Community at large through the Indian Association Uganda whose membership is over 2,000. The Lebanese Shia Community organized the blood donation drive in their Mosque.
Total of 30 units of blood was collected, a drop from last year of 60 units. During the exercise, messages from historians and famous personalities on Imam Hussain (A.S.) were displayed and people who sought more information were provided with literatures on the life of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and the tragedy event of Karbala.
The blood was donated to Nakasero Blood Bank; they act as a reference centre for the Regional Blood Banks in Uganda.
We have requested our member Jamaats to send us the reports of the blood donation camps so that we can circulate them to entice and encourage other members to participate and organize future Blood Donation camps, especially during Muharram, Inshaállah.
We are thankful to the Regional Council of Madagascar (CROI), KSI Jamaat of Antananarivo and KSI Jamaat of Kampala for sending us the reports.
SECRETARIAT