We have all at some point in our lives experienced what it is like to have lost a friend, relative, or loved one. Think back to when you lost someone that was close to you, one that you loved immensely. Did you feel pain? Did you wear black, become restless, shed tears or beat yourself, or even lose your appetite and avoid eating and drinking? Did you hold ceremonies in their remembrance, or position a black symbol outside your house to signify that you are in mourning? Did you feed the poor and serve food to your community in memory of your loved one? Did you then follow on to mark the anniversary of their demise each year with more ceremonies?
It is understandable that you would feel wounded by this loss. The way that we react to these situations is natural. But sometimes we are asked why we perform these actions. We reply that we care about the person who passed away; they were our mother, father, a close relative, or friend. Again, we are asked why we react like this. The reason is because we feel attached to them as they sacrificed a lot of their time and comfort to help us. They may have looked after us when we were small or taught us something special. We cannot deny that our loved ones are a part of our lives. They are important to us and this is why we like to frame a photo of them in our home, carry their picture in our purse, or wear it in a locket around our neck.
So, just as we appreciate the importance of losing someone dear to us, it is quite natural to remember someone who not only helped a few people in their lifetime but who gave salvation to the whole of humanity. Listen to your heart for a moment, does it not make sense to commemorate the person who our Prophets Adam (as) to Mohammad (saws) had also cried for?
We should bear in mind that all religions prior to Islam had also given importance to commemorating the lives of their saints and prophets. This is an extensive topic, but for now I ask you as followers of Islam, the most complete religion, aren't we expected to perform better than the followers of previous religions?
Do we not want to remember someone who had sacrificed himself so that all Godly values could reach us today? Wouldn't we like to remember someone who was so affectionate and compassionate that he never harmed his own enemy? We are talking about a person who gave his own share of water to satisfy the thirst of his enemies and even their horses. But what did they gift in return? Not only did they prevent a single drop of water from quenching the thirst of his six-month old baby, but they also fired an arrow at this baby who was so parched he couldn't cry! Are you now beginning to realise who this person is?
He is none other than Husein ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib.
It has been narrated from the Ahl al-Bayt (as) that no event has ever taken place in our history more devastating than the martyrdom of Imam Husein (as). Thus, no tragedy or loss is comparable to the martyrdom of Imam Husein (as). It has been none other than the Ahl al-Bayt (as) who have helped us spiritually, and so losing them is our greater loss.
In order to bring about certainty and draw a conclusion regarding the commemoration of Imam Husein's (as) Martyrdom, we will now show you what the most knowledgeable people of the Islamic world have said about these practices. We have compiled fatwas from the maraja' and amongst them are the most eminent. As with all aspects of faith, it is incumbent upon us to seek the opinion of these knowledgeable role models and to act in accordance with their judgement.
"Oh Allah make the help of Husein (as) available for me on the day that I am risen back to life."
I wish the best of success for you all
Servant to the Servants of Imam Husein (as),
Seyed Mostafa Fasihi
