Ashara - A Time for Remembrance, Reflection & Rejuvenation - Part 2

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

أَيَوَدُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن تَكُونَ لَهُ جَنَّةٌ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ وَأَعْنَابٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ لَهُ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ وَأَصَابَهُ الْكِبَرُ وَلَهُ ذُرِّيَّةٌ ضُعَفَاءُ فَأَصَابَهَا إِعْصَارٌ فِيهِ نَارٌ فَاحْتَرَقَتْ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ *

'Does any of you wish that he should have a garden with date-palms and vines and streams flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age, and his children are not strong (enough to look after themselves)- that it should be caught in a whirlwind, with fire therein, and be burnt up? Thus doth Allah make clear to you (His) Signs; that he may consider.'

(Surat al-Baqara: 266)

This article was written by Ra'sul Hududil Mayameen Janab Syedi Aziz Bhaisaheb Qutbuddin in 2015.

The ayat of the Quran, quoted above, describes the tragedy of Imam Husain in Karbala and asks: would you not want that such tragedy never befell you and your loved ones (See article in Sijill 38, Rasulullah's SA Waari, on this ayat).

The first ten days of Muharram (Ashara Mubaraka) commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice and commitment that Imam Husain SA, the grandson of the prophet Mohammad SA, and his family and close companions numbering 72, demonstrated on the plains of Karbala. They died fighting against the oppression, the injustice, the fear, and the persecution perpetrated by the rulers of the time. They reached Karbala on the 2nd Day of Muharram, held out for ten days and were finally brutally massacred on the tenth day of Muharram – known as Ashura in the year 61 Hijri (680 AD). Through our Hudaat Kiraam’s tradition of narrating the events of Karbala, we relive those fateful days in which Imam Husain was martyred, and in our limited capacity, relate to that ultimate sacrifice for the sake of Truth. (Read the first part of the article, Remembrance & Reflection – The purpose of Muharram Part 1 of 2)

Rejuvenation – The purpose of Muharram Part 2 of 2

Our Hudaat Kiraam saw the beginning of the new year as an opportunity to remember Imam Husain SA and impart the knowledge, guidance and wise counsel of Aale Muhammad, thereby rejuvenating us spiritually for the year that is to come. The sermons give Mumineen an enhanced sense of purpose and direction to work toward both spiritual and temporal betterment. This guidance also encourages us to be good human beings and to uphold the universal values of good character. It also encourages us to get the best possible education for our children and apply ourselves fully to our careers, indeed to strive for success in all our endeavors so that we may contribute fully to our community, society at large and to the nation.

Sharing such deep sentiments of sacrifice, spirituality and faith on such a significant and auspicious occasion brings the community closer together. The remembrance of Imam Husain SA in the light of the teachings of our Hudaat Kiraam enables us to reflect and to reassess our priorities. It gives us the courage to face life’s challenges and the strength to persevere.

As the successor of the 52nd Dai and inheritor of his legacy and the legacy of all the Dais before him, the 53rd Dai Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin TUS similarly encourages his followers to garner the barakaat and blessings of Ashara. Syedna’s bayaan and waaz is a continuation of this legacy of remembrance, reflection and rejuvenation. Even in these difficult times, Mumineen are able to partake these barakaat no matter where they are.

May Allah Ta’ala grant Syedna Qutbuddin the longest life to continue to guide us and may He give us the tawfeeq and inspiration to partake the barakaat of Ashara Mubaraka with Him. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the strength to follow the example of the 72 shuhadaa’ of Karbala and stand firm with the Syedna Qutbuddin TUS, the Dai of Imam Husain SA. That is the true remembrance of Imam Husain SA.