Circular No.: JMT/001/2022 Date: 29th July 2022
29th Zilhajj 1443
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful – Peace and Blessings be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad and his pure progeny.
COMMEMORATION OF MUHARRAM AND AZADARI
The month of Muharram has approached us with Allah’s (s.w.t.) blessings. This is when we commemorate the great Martyrdom of Sayyid al-Shohada Aba Abdillah al-Hussain (‘a), alongside his family and faithful companions numbering to 72 who were martyred in the desert plains of Karbala.
The uprising of Imam Hussain (‘a) the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w.), against the unjust rule of the Ummayyads on 10th October 680 AD (10th Muharram 61 AH) was a stand of haqq (truth) against batil (falsehood). The exalted mission and sacrifice of Imam Hussain (‘a) were fundamentally to purify the society from any evil and wickedness and to promote goodness and righteousness in submission to Allah (s.w.t.) which is only possible when people are free of tyrants and oppressors like Yazid ibn Mu’awiyah ibn Abi Sufiyan.
The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (‘a) has transcended 1400 years and still profoundly moves Muslims and non-Muslims alike including all the oppressed people who fight against tyranny and oppression. The exalted example of the martyrs of Karbala epitomizes Islam itself and has become a symbol of hope, strength and encouragement for mankind to seek peace, justice and truth.
The Shia Muslim Community around the World mourn during these two months in commemoration of the supreme sacrifices in desert field of Karbala in Iraq for the sake of Islam and Humanity. Many of the events held during this period take place in congregation halls known as Hussainiya/Imambargha.
As we prepare to commemorate this Ashra, let us all adhere to guidelines and directives from respective Jamaats. These guidelines and directives are meant for the health and safety precautions for all the community members, and thus we must all be responsible, responsive and abide by them.
Following are some simple Health & Safety Precautionary Guidelines for members of our community:
- Those members not vaccinated should be encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible which will protect firstly themselves, members of their families and the community at large.
- Members should wash their hands frequently with soap and running water, or use Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, before entering Hussainiyas and when exiting.
- Wearing of Face Masks covering the mouth and nose properly should be recommended, especially in an enclosed spaces and large congregations.
- Maintaining Social Distancing should be encouraged as much as possible.
- Those suffering from cold, headache, cough or fever should stay at home and avoid attending ceremonies (It is obligatory to protect others from viruses).
- Elderly people must be extra vigilant in all precautionary measures and seek medical advice.
- Where Nyaz or Sabil is served in the Hussainiyas, disposable utensils should be used.
- Gatherings (groups) after majlises in the Mosque or Husainiyya compounds should be discouraged.
- Where possible, open air spaces should be utilized for Azadari, open air spaces are safer compared with closed spaces.
- Entries to the Mosque, Imambargha and Mehfils should be controlled properly for the security of the community members.
- Jamaats should have clearly marked Entries/Exits and Emergency Exits, both for ladies and gents.
We request the Jamaats to broadcast regular reminders through their Media channels to educate the community members on the need to exercise caution and taking necessary precautions consistently for their own health and safety and for others too. Let us all become responsible Azadars and set examples to others.
Let us all pray for peace, tranquility and safety of all our Muslim brothers throughout the World and peaceful Muharram and Safar programs.
Kindly let us also remember all those suffering from various illnesses for their wellness. Also, there are those displaced people from many parts of the world tormented due to oppression and tyranny, please remember them in your prayers to Allah (s.w.t.) for their safety and relief in these important days and nights of mourning (Azadari) of the martyrs of Karbala.
Zuhair H. Jaffer
Hon. Secretary