Ref: PR/AF/16/008
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
May Allah make our reward and your reward great, for our grief for Hussain, (peace be upon him).
10th of Muharram 61 Hijra– 10th October 680 AD – The Day of Ashura
On the 10th day of Muharram which is the first month of the Islamic Calendar we, the Shia Muslim Community commemorate the tragic event of the merciless massacre of the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) – Imam Hussein (A.S.) along with members of his family and the faithful companions numbering to seventy two in the desert plains of Karbala, Iraq in 61 A.H.
The Karbala massacre is known as one of the darkest and saddest days in the Islamic history.
Imam Hussain (A.S.) mission was to reform the Muslim Ummah and his sacrifice to save Islam as manifested clearly in his Will before he left Makah for Iraq –
“Imam Hussain (A.S.) explains the mission of his sacrifice in his own words: “I have taken this stand not out of arrogance or pride, neither out of mischief or injustice. I have risen to seek reform in the community of my grandfather. I would like to bid good, forbid evil, and follow the tradition of my grandfather and my father ‘Ali bin Abi Talib.”
As the month of Muharram sets in, a sense of grief and somberness enters the hearts of many. “Surely there exists in the hearts of the Mu’mineen with respect to the martyrdom of Hussain (A.S.), a heat that never subsides” – Prophet Muhammad (SAWW).
Let us take lessons and reflect from the event of Karbala to remind ourselves of the movement and the divine mission of Imam Hussain (A.S.) to awaken and reform the Muslim Ummah and be compassionate towards the community and society at large.
The two months of mourning should be a stepping stone towards us achieving the ability to respond to the final call made by the Imam (A.S.) at the time when all his male family members and his companions were massacred, he stood alone on the day of Ashura in the scorching sun of the desert plains of Karbala and asked for help: “Hal Min Naasirin Yansuruna, (Is there helpers who will help us?) “Hal Min Mughitheen Yughithuna” (Is there those who will answer our call for aid?)
Our Community Centres (Imambargha) during the days of Aza-e-Sayyidu’sh Shuhadah should be platforms to reflect and raise awareness on Islamic Values, Human Dignity, God Consciousness and Unity amongst the Muslim Ummah.
I take this opportunity to appeal to the members of our community to contribute and support generously our Member Jamaats and Tabligh Institutions who are organizing various events during the month of Muharram and Safar.
The Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda organize daily lectures in local languages, Nyaz and other activities during the Ashara-e-Muharram and Safar in various Centres located in several parts of the countries and in the villages.
I appeal to you all to make concerted efforts to use this unique opportunity of Muharram to build bridges of tolerance, cooperation and friendship with other sects of Muslim communities and other faiths in the country we live in.
During these difficult and challenging times, may I request you all to pray for peace, security and safety of all Muslims and for all the peace loving people wherever they are in all parts of the world.
As many of you know, recently there was a devastating Earthquake which struck Bukoba District in the North West of Tanzania resulting in 16 deaths and injuries of over 200 local people with several properties damaged, including those belonging to our Jamaat and our Community members. Please remember all those affected, injured and suffering from the aftermath of the Earthquake in your prayers.
Also, there was a report of some civil disturbances in the suburbs of Kinshasa in DRC (Congo) recently. We request you all to pray for the safety of all our Community members and the people of DRC in these difficult times.
Let us remember all the Marhumeens and recite sura-e-fateha for the maghferat of their souls.
With Salaams and Duas,
Shabir Najafi
Chairman