The months of Muharram and Safar holds a place of significance for every Shia community worldwide. The sad memory of this event is poignant for each and every Shia Muslim as communities gather to pay their respects to Imam Hussain (`a) and his Holy Family in the form of Majaalis and Azadaari. The Nairobi Jamaat is no exception to these congregations. The Jamaat has two Mosques and Imambarghas in Nairobi – Masjid Imam Hassan (`a) and Nabi Ibrahim (`a) Hall in Park Road and Masjid Ahlul Kisaa and Imam Sajjad (`a) Hall in Lavington respectively. Before the Nairobi Jamaat was blessed with this facility, community members would invite each other to their homes to commemorate the months of Azaa together.
Over the years the ways of Azadari have evolved to suit different age groups and communities in order to successfully pass on the message of the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (`a). As a community, the Nairobi Jamaat has tried to uphold some traditions started by our forefathers when it comes to Azadari such as Matam, majaalis, and the Juloos. While all these aforementioned forms have had an impact, they have also introduced other ways to pass on the message to our future generation.
Children’s Camp
Over the first 10 days of Muharram, a children’s camp was held for ages 5 -10 years which was based on the heroes of Karbala and lessons derived from them. Each day highlighted an important characteristic and commenced with a skit depicting the story of the day. The message was further cemented through group activities that instilled within the children teachings on how to be like the role models in Karbala. These activities were planned by a group of dedicated volunteers who referenced knowledge from books such as Nafasul Mahmoom to create activities with Islamic foundations and principles. The daily sessions were ended by one of the children reciting a short Masaib and another reciting a latmiyyah. The love and interest shown by these children has been inspiring. They were able to take these qualities and implement them into their daily lives – this was portrayed through the various artwork and articles that they made depicting their love for Allah (SWT) and the Ahlulbayt (`a).
Another form of Azadaari that the Nairobi Jamaat conducted was through plays and skits that illustrated the trials and tribulations that the Ahlulbayt (`a) went through. The following were the plays conducted:
Mukhtar – The Narrative
A play that entailed avenging of blood of Imam Hussain (`a) while depicting flashbacks of the events of Karbala simultaneously. The play demonstrated how each perpetrator contributed to the events that took place on the holy land of Karbala and the aftermath and in turn how Mukhtar Al-Thaqafi as Amir of Kufa, in his court managed to get hold of each one and punished them rightfully.
Safar – e – Zainab
This play was organized in 3 parts:
1. The aftermath of Karbala and the Khutbah of Bibi Zainab (`a) in Kufa in the court of Ibn Ziyad and in Shaam in the court of Yazid.
2. A glance at Kufa and Shaam and the death of Bibi Sakina (`a) in the dungeons of Shaam.
3. A walk through showing the journey of the caravan (Kaafela) beginning from Karbala on the 11th of Muharram to the bazaar of Kufa and on to the court of Ibn Ziyad, with multiple stops in between including Qasr bin Maqatil, Asqalan and the monastery, through the Bazaar of Shaam then to Court of Yazid and finally to the dungeons and the death of Bibi Sakina (`a)
Oasis In The Storm
Oasis in the storm was inspired by our love of Imam Hussain (`a) and designed to showcase the perfect blend of volunteerism and tabligh. Recreating an entire walkthrough of the journey of Imam Hussain (`a) and his sister Lady Zainab (`a) starting from Madina and ending at Shaam.
Oasis in the storm was open to all for viewing. Many people from different faiths came to see and understand the Ahlulbayt’s journey. The event was a huge success, received raving reviews and culminated in welcoming a revert and her child whom she aptly named Sajjad.
The Who Is Husain team in Nairobi ensure to hold an “Open to All” blood drive at the complex in the name of Imam Hussain (`a) along with a Juloos on the streets. A food drive is also organized every Saturday which usually feeds over 50 guards and children.
Karbala is a testament to divine love. The message of Imam Hussain (`a) is a symbol of courage and a marvel of defiance against submission to an unjust order. The Imam through his stand registered a passionate order against incredible adversity. This is why he is adorned for as he stands tall as the torchbearer of human values, one that excels in dire straits on the path of unison against repression and cruelty.
What a tribute to the uniqueness of Imam Hussain (`a), as the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) said, “Hussain is from me and I am from Husain.” The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) also addressed Imam Hussain (`a) in his lap by saying, “he is the lamp of guidance, and the ark of salvation.” Thus, the firmness of Hussain’s truth in Karbala was, indeed, the steadfastness of the Prophet!
Let us remember the Marhumeen of Nairobi Jamaat and all other Marhumeen with a Sura-e-Fateha.
Source and Photo Courtesy: Aliya Zaheerabbas
Article by: Sukaina bai Habib
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9th September 2022 / 12th Safar 1444 A.H