Muharram
The writer, Ayyad Dilawar Padhani is in Marketing at his family optical practice. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing and related support services. He has been rendering community services from a very early age.
Passing the torch of a fire that keeps burning, not only staying lit, but growing with each generation. The more we learn about the tragedy of Karbala, the more we internalise its teachings, the more deeply we understand and accept the message of Islam, the more we love Muharram and are increasingly eager for it each year. We must ask ourselves how we can ensure that the message of Muharram continues to resonate deeply with the hearts of our youth.
From the get go on the 1st night of Muharram till the walk of Arbaeen, all programmes, events, majalis, azadari, and recitations reinvigorate our courage and, our faith in the mission that Imam Hussain (AS) fought for the ummah, standing up against an oppressive ruler. In that we are reminded of the teachings of the Quran and then see it take place in physical form on the day of Ashura.
We may ask is Hussain incompatible in today’s apparently modern world? Nay, it is even more relevant. It should be noted that behind all the modernity, and under the mask of latest technology, which are simply newer tools, human nature remains the same, and history continues to repeat itself. The story of the fight against injustice lives on. And we must strive towards that in every way that we can, small as it may be. Considering many of today’s current global crises, we still see Hussain (AS) and we still see the oppressive Yazid. We are faced with the daily challenge to speak out, or to stay silent, to choose between products that support wars or deciding to boycott them, working at companies that fuel oppression or to let go of those jobs, staying silent or raising awareness and reaching out to our local city leaders to help push our messages higher through the correct channels.
The majalis, rituals, nauha, marsiya, weeping and devotion are not mere rituals, they are Prophetic actions that we uphold year after year to remind and reinvigorate, rejuvenate our souls to remind us of the teachings of Islam. Furthermore, Hussain (AS) and his sacrifice inspire us to give from what we have, from our wealth, food, time, service, good manners, blood donation or even a helping hand. Forming organisations to channel our resources, whatever Allah (SWT) may have blessed us with and share with those in need. Thinking globally, acting locally. Providing access to basic needs to all around us. Touching lives especially with our Hussayni Akhlaaq. The one that even gave water to the army that redirected his caravan to the land of Nainawa.
The tragedy of Karbala is more than a historical event, it is more than a massacre of innocents, it is a photograph of the events that transpired 1400 years ago, a template for us to implement in our daily lives, a criterion to make decisions about right and wrong, a timeless lesson for all generations to come. This is a story we must teach our children and them, their children to keep the true teachings of Islamic courage, bravery and Hussayni spirit alive.
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