Imam Hussein’s (‘a) Azadari is a religious and worldly gain but do we take its advantages? Its actual season is Muharram; however, we can perform the good deeds throughout 365 days. The Azadari is one’s desirous contemplation however when we hear the history, our hearts cry and the lovers grieve over it with a heavy heart. Those who care, commemorate and participate fully especially in the month of Muharram as well as other months in the Imambargha, Mehfil and distribute food and drink as ‘tabarruk’ whilst recalling the memories of the hunger and thirst of the Martyrs of Karbala and the massacre of Imam Hussein (A.S.) his family members and his faithful companions carried out by the evil forces of Yazid ibn Muawiya ibn Abi Sufiyan in 61 A.H. in the dessert plain field of Karbala in Iraq.
There were even those Muslims in 61 A.H who stopped food and water to Imam Hussein (‘a), his caravan of women, children and the old members of his family and companions. Today there are Muslims throughout the world who despite of inflation and restrictions distribute food and water (nazr and nyaz). If only they would have been present in 61 A.H. they would have answered Imam’s call for help – Hal Min Nasirin Yansurna, Hal Min Mughirthir Yughithurna? (Is There Anyone to Help Me, Is There a Rescuer to Rescue us?), on the Day of Ashura, we chant deep from our hearts – “Labbaik Ya Hussain” (I am here, O Hussain!)
We commemorate “Muharram” in Imambargha demonstrating with black flags, delivering lectures, organize processions and reciters present their grief and sorrow through effective poems on the massacre of Karbala relating Islamic history as well as giving examples from the Holy Qur’an. Believers attend ‘majlis’ (lectures) throughout the 40 days where Imam Hussein’s pure characters are mentioned in the lectures; one tries to ponder upon to rectify to be a better Muslim. But we have to reflect and contemplate, do these lectures change our etiquettes, our lifestyles or not? Or are we just attending the sermons as rituals and traditions? And if there are no changes for the betterment then it’s not the true ‘Azadari’ it’s just for name sake. If after weeping, beating chests and grieving inside the Imambargha we forget and don’t ponder on what was recited then it’s pointless, we have gained nothing.
With these Husseini matam and majlises the old should follow the steps of Habib Ibn Mazahir, as for the youths its necessary to play the role model of H. Abbas (A.S) and H. Aliakbar (A.S) and our children should take examples from Aun, Muhammad and H. Kassim. The women should ponder upon the women of Ahlulbayt in Karbala.
The “Heroes of Karbala’ portrayed patience, worship, truthfulness, bravery, boldness, piety thus we should implement such qualities. Moreover, we should never revenge tyrannically instead forbear patiently, be united not to dishearten anyone, perform all obligations like prayers, fast etc. and abide by the Islamic rules then only can we be recognized as true Husseinis, this will bring an impact on others that no doubt the Husseinis are all with good etiquette in the love of Imam Hussein (A.S).
May the Almighty grant us the ‘Taufiq’ to be such. Ameen.
Article By: Muhamad Ebrahim Jivraj
Article Source: Salsabil January, 1957
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION ARCHIVES SECTION
11th September 2020 (22nd Muharram 1442 AH)