Muharram Announcement 3 of 3: Pertaining to the crowds of believers

For Muharram al-Haram, 1438 A.H.

At the core of the gatherings for the commemoration of Imam Husayn (as) are the faithful attendees, their interaction and empathy. They are important to the success of every gathering. Therefore, the most prominent and successful gatherings have always been characterized by the attendance of faithful crowds that have several unique characteristics, such as:

Sincerity in the intention of the attendee

The participation in the gatherings of Imam Husayn (as) should entail a great deal of sincerity in order to attain nearness to Allah (swt). Often, the factor of the group mindset, companionship, flattery, societal expectations, gaining a reputation, infamy or other factors may have an effect on the intention – something which the believing followers of Imam Husayn (as) should try to completely avoid.

Identifying the intention in attending

That is, by limiting it to two reasons: The first is to express sadness over the tragedy, and share in the mourning with Imam al-Mahdi (ajfs) for his loss of the Master of Martyrs (as). The second reason is to gain knowledge at the banquet of Imam Husayn (as) in order to attain the level of “glorious success.” For it has been narrated on the advice of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (as) that he told one of his companions, “…O Ibn Shabeeb…if it would make you happy to share in the reward of those who were martyred with al-Husayn (as), then say the following whenever you remember them, ‘I wish I was with them for I would have achieved a glorious success.’” (Wasael al-Shia, al-Hurr al-Ameli, V 14, Page 417) With this, the Imam (as) confirms the elevated status of those who were martyred with Imam Husayn (as), a status distinguished from all others in history. Secondly, he described the event as a “glorious success.” Thirdly, he connected the believers of every time and place with a historical connection – linking those among them who aspire for this glorious success.

Cooperation with Organizers

The believers should graciously extend a helping hand of moral and material support to those managing the gathering to help in its success by inviting the general public, encouraging them, and helping to remove barriers that prevent their participation and attendance. This should be done in an effort to introduce them to Islam through the commemoration of the death of Imam Husayn (as).

Obedience and Reverence

They abide by the advice of the religious jurists and scholars of the Islamic Seminaries in keeping the season of the remembrance and commemoration of Imam Husayn (as) alive and well, and within the religiously legal guidelines. It is important to stay away from anything which might lead to a religious infraction.

We ask Allah (swt) to grant us success. May God make us all the servants of Islam and of our fellow Muslims, by which our good deeds are recorded in the book of Imam Husayn (as).

May the peace and blessings of God be upon you all.

I.M.A.M.