Muharram: A Time to Remember, Reflect, and Rise

Introduction

As the new week approaches, we are once again reminded that the Islamic calendar is not merely a sequence of dates; it is a guide to values, a mirror to the soul, and a compass for action. The events ahead – marked by mourning, reflection, and reverence – highlight the sacrifice, wisdom, and spiritual leadership embedded in our history. These moments are not only of religious significance; they offer moral direction and inspiration for Muslims striving to uphold their faith amidst the unique challenges of life in Western societies. This issue of Friday Bulletin focuses on the following key events:

3 July / 12 Tir – Commemoration of Allamah Amini

Allamah Abdul Husayn Amini, the author of the Al-Ghadir fi’l-Kitab wa’l-Sunnah wa’l-Adab, was a towering figure in Islamic scholarship. Al-Ghadir stands as one of the most comprehensive scholarly works in Islamic history. In this multi-volume encyclopaedia, he meticulously gathers evidence from Sunni and Shia sources including Qur’anic commentary, hadith, history, theology, and classical poetry, to establish the event of Ghadir Khumm and the rightful succession of Imam Ali (a) after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Spanning thousands of references and over a decade of research across global libraries, Al-Ghadir is not only a testament to Allamah Amini’s scholarship and integrity, but also a profound contribution to unity and deeper understanding within the Muslim ummah. It continues to be an essential resource for those seeking clarity on Islamic leadership and history.

In today’s age of misinformation and disconnection from sources of truth, the legacy of Allamah Amini teaches us to value evidence, integrity, and scholarly responsibility. Islam places great emphasis on seeking knowledge:

قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

“Say: Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Qur’an, 39:9)

Message for Muslims in the West:

Invest in religious literacy, and encourage your communities – especially the youth – to engage with foundational Islamic texts critically and constructively.

Practical Challenge:

Host a reading group on Al-Ghadir or other authentic Islamic texts, encouraging participants to present and discuss one insight each week.

9 Muharram – Tasu‘a (Day of Abul-Fadl al-Abbas)

Tasu’a, the 9th day of Muharram, holds profound historical and religious importance as the day preceding Ashura, when Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his loyal companions prepared for their ultimate sacrifice in Karbala. On this day, the companions of Imam Hussein (a) were given the final opportunity to abandon him and save their lives, but they chose to stay, affirming their allegiance despite knowing the impending martyrdom. Tasua is not only a prelude to Karbala’s ultimate sacrifice but also a spiritual reminder of standing firm for truth even when the cost is life itself. Religiously, it represents the values of brotherhood, loyalty to divine leadership, and readiness to support justice at all costs, virtues echoed in the Qur’an and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In an age where loyalty is often transactional and driven by self-interest, the example of Abbas shines as a beacon. Islam honours such sincere devotion. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

أَفْضَلُ اَلْأَعْمَالِ اَلْحُبُّ فِي اَللَّهِ وَ اَلْبُغْضُ فِي اَللَّهِ (مستدرک الوسائل و مستنبط المسائل، ج ۱۲، ص ۲۲۵)

“The best of deeds is love for the sake of Allah and hate for the sake of Allah.”

This kind of God-centred loyalty transforms relationships into acts of worship and binds communities around enduring values rather than fleeting interests.

Message for Muslims in the West:

In a society where relationships are often shaped by personal gain, image, or cultural pressure, Tasua reminds us to root our connections in sincerity, integrity, and God-consciousness. Let your friendships and allegiances be guided by faith, not fashion—by who upholds truth, not who offers popularity. Real loyalty, as shown by Abbas and the companions of Karbala, is about standing with what is right even when it costs us comfort or status.

Practical Challenge:

Share the story of Abul-Fadl al-Abbas with young people in your centre and ask them to reflect on what true loyalty means in today’s world.

10 Muharram – Ashura

Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, marks one of the most pivotal and tragic events in Islamic history: the martyrdom of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (a.s.), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in the year 61 AH (680 CE) on the plains of Karbala, Iraq. Surrounded by a small group of loyal family members and companions (no more than 72 in total) Imam Hussain stood against the forces of Yazid ibn Muawiya, the Umayyad caliph, whose rule represented corruption, tyranny, and a clear deviation from Islamic principles. Despite being vastly outnumbered by Yazid’s army of thousands and deprived of water for days, Imam Hussain and his companions refused to give allegiance to injustice, choosing martyrdom over submission. The day culminated in a brutal massacre, including the killing of Hussain, his infant son Ali Asghar, and many others, while the surviving women and children were taken captive. Ashura remains a day of deep mourning and reflection for Muslims, symbolising the eternal struggle between justice and oppression.

Islamic teachings celebrate standing for justice. The Qur’an states:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ

“O you who believe! Be steadfast in upholding justice, bearing witness for the sake of Allah.” (Qur’an, 5:8)

This verse reminds us that justice is not merely a social ideal, but a divine responsibility that believers must uphold even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Message for Muslims in the West:

Ashura invites us to stand for truth in our daily lives – whether at work, in education, or against social injustice – no matter how small or personal the stand may be.

Practical Challenge:

Organise a public talk or panel at your centre on “Living the Message of Karbala: Everyday Acts of Resistance.”

11 Muharram – Captives of Karbala Begin Their Journey (Day of Honouring the Captives and the Missing)

The 11th of Muharram marks the beginning of one of the most heartbreaking chapters in Islamic history, the forced journey of the surviving women and children from the camp of Imam Hussain (a.s.) as captives. After the tragic massacre on the plains of Karbala, the family members of the Prophet (PBUH), including Lady Zaynab (s.a.) and Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.), were taken as prisoners by the army of Yazid. Their tents were looted and burned, and the captives – exhausted, grieving, and some injured – were paraded on foot from Karbala toward Kufa and then to Damascus. This journey, marked by humiliation and suffering, became a powerful continuation of the Karbala message, as Lady Zaynab’s eloquent sermons in the courts of tyrants turned the tide of public opinion and preserved the legacy of Ashura. The 11th of Muharram thus stands not only as a day of mourning but also as the beginning of a resilient stand against oppression through the power of speech, dignity, and unwavering faith.

Islam places great value on patience and courage in adversity:

وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الصَّابِرِينَ (آل عمران، ۱۴۶)

“And Allah loves those who are patient.” (Qur’an, 3:146)

Message for Muslims in the West:

This day reminds us that even when voiceless or marginalised, dignity and faith are our strongest tools. It is especially relevant to Muslims facing discrimination or cultural pressure.

Practical Challenge:

Create a reflective art project or storytelling evening focused on the journey of the captives, drawing connections to current issues of migration, identity, and resilience.

12 Muharram – Martyrdom of Imam Ali ibn Hussain (Zayn al-Abidin, a)

According to some traditions, this day commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a), the 4th Imam.

Imam Ali ibn Hussain (a.s.), also known as Imam Zayn al-Abidin and the fourth Imam of the Ahlul Bayt, was martyred on the 12^th of Muharram in the year 95 AH (713 CE) through poisoning by the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik. After surviving the tragedy of Karbala as a young man due to illness, Imam Zayn al-Abidin carried the torch of his father’s message through deep spirituality, supplication, and quiet resistance. His most famous work, Sahifah Sajjadiyyah, reflects his profound devotion and guidance for believers during an era of political repression. Though he did not lead armed resistance, his unwavering moral stance, support for the oppressed, and subtle defiance of tyranny made him a threat to the Umayyad regime, ultimately leading to his martyrdom. His death marked the silencing of a powerful spiritual voice, but his legacy of prayer, patience, and resistance continues to inspire generations.

His life is filled with wise advice to help people build a better life both in this world and the hereafter. In one of his powerful sayings, he states:

اِيّـاكُمْ وَصَحْـبَةَ الْعاصـينَ وَمَعُونَهَ الظالِمينَ وَمجاوِرَة الْفاسقينَ اِحْذَروُا فِتْنَتَهُمْ وَتَباعِدُوا مِنْ ساحَتِهِمْ  (الکافی، ج۸، ص۱۴).

“Beware of associating with sinners, supporting oppressors, and being close to the corrupt. Be cautious of their trials, and distance yourselves from their circles.”

In this concise yet powerful hadith, Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) warns against both direct and indirect involvement with wrongdoing. Whether it is through friendship, support, or even proximity, being close to sinful or unjust people can gradually erode one’s moral clarity and spiritual well-being. The Imam calls on believers to recognise the dangers of such associations and maintain both physical and moral distance to protect their faith and values.

Message for Muslims in the West:

In societies where negative influences and moral challenges are common, it is vital to be mindful of the company you keep. Surround yourself with people who uplift your faith and values, and avoid environments that encourage injustice, immorality, or harm. This conscious distancing helps preserve your spiritual integrity and strengthens your ability to live a righteous, balanced life in a complex world.

Practical Challenge:

Begin a weekly Du‘a Circle in your centre, reflecting on selections from Sahifah Sajjadiyyah and applying their wisdom to contemporary life.