Millions of pilgrims have converged on Iraq’s holy city of Karbala to commemorate Arba’een, the 40th day since the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Shia Imam.
The occasion, known as the world’s largest annual Muslim pilgrimage, comes 40 days after Ashura, the 10th day of the lunar calendar month of Muharram when Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was martyred in the Battle of Karbala at the hands of the tyrant of the time, Yazid I, in the seventh century
Each year, Shia and Sunni pilgrims as well as those from other faiths gather in Iraq in the weeks leading to the day of Arba’een and stream towards Karbala on foot from other Iraqi cities, especially Najaf and Basra.
In Kenya, Muslims and their Christian brothers came together at the Parkroad Shia Mosque to commemorate Imam Hussein.
The event which was a conference organized by the Cultural Council of the Embassy of Iran was graced by prominent speakers who gave insightful talks on Imam Hussein and his movement.
Below is the full speech of the Iran Cultural Counsellor Mr. Mahmoud Majlesain.
Brothers and Sisters, we are here today to commemorate the Arbaeen of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
We are all gathered here, to remember the values of justice and righteousness modeled by Imam Hussain (A.S.)
As we discuss the various aspects of Imam Hussain’s (A.S.) character and his movement, we are provided with another opportunity to refresh our commitment to embrace the divine teachings of God and the message of Imam Hussain Movement.
It is the message of humanity, peace, and justice; the message of true and pure Islam that inspired all humanity with divinity.
Brothers and Sisters, in an effort to save Islam and guide humanity, to the right path, Imam Hussain (as) made the ultimate sacrifice.
Today millions across the world remember Imam Hussain – not just for his bravery, but also for what he stood for.
His message inspires anyone who stands up for justice.
The tragedy of Karbala took place some 1400 years back but Karbala has a universal appeal and in today’s climate of violence, terrorism and communalism, it is more relevant than ever.
When we talk about Imam Hussain’s commitment to justice, equality and liberation, we must think of ending all forms of oppression, tyranny and injustice,
Be it racism or regionalism, because there can never be a just society unless such evils are rooted out forever.
Our duty as Imam Hussain’s followers is not only mourning and talking about him but also to follow what he fought for.
Muslims must ask themselves whether they find examples of Imam Husayn (AS) among the rulers in the Muslim world today or whether they are seeing examples of Yazid?
Honest reflection would provide a clear answer. If the Muslim world is caught up in endless crisis and corruption and much suffering, it is because most Muslims are closer to Yazid in their behavior than to Imam Husayn (ra).
Brothers and Sisters, year after year, the tragedy of Karbala is retold to us, making us cry a lot and softening our hearts.
However, violence and injustices that took place in the era of Imam Hussein continue to remain increased today.
The radicals who are killing innocents People including Muslims in the name of Islam have forgotten Imam Hussain and the basic tenets of Islam.
Imam Hussain was fighting the same ideology almost 1400 years ago.
He refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid and his father, who murdered, tortured, and oppressed people in the name of Islam.
The imperialists needs to know about Imam Hussain, the prince of peace, who sacrificed his life and the lives of his children and friends, to save humanity from the agents of hate and tyranny and oppression. The terrorists of our time are incarnation of the Yazid and his clan.
Their killing and beheading of victims in the name of religion is a repeat and reminder of what happened in Karbala.
These terrorists of past and present have nothing to do with the peaceful message of Islam, according to which killing of one innocent person is like killing of whole humanity.
Imam Hussain was a spiritual superpower that is an icon not only for the Muslims but also for each and every person with whom injustice is being done in whatever form, no matter to which religion he belongs.
While addressing the enemy in Karbala Imam said one of the most inspiring words ever been said, “If you do not have religion, at least be a free man in your life of this world.” because a free man can differentiate between the good and evil more easily than a biased one.
The mission of Hussain did not and could not come to an end just by the martyrdom of 72 individuals; it is everlasting, acting as a catalyst in nearly every age, era and place. Today at the remotest corners of the globe like Mihango or Riruta the tragedy of Karbala is remembered.
If we continue to strive for the truth and unite against the injustices of our time, we will achieve the mission of carrying on Imam Hussain’s message.
His sacrifice shall remain relevant as long as humanity craves for justice, guidance and leadership. Hussain is the eternal hero of Islam.
Today we must know how to support this great Imam by saying the truth, helping the oppressed, reforming society and achieving justice and freedom.
It is not enough to narrate and describe the outward aspect of tragedy to the world.
It is not enough just to fill our mosque during prayers or majalis. We need to do more than that in order to spread the mission and the message of Imam Hussain.
Imam Hussain’s (peace be upon him) message was not only for his time. It needs to be applied on all occasions.
If today, in 2018, We can put aside our differences and hunger for power and domination, we can easily defeat anyone who stands in the way of keeping humanity safe and inherently good.
