“THE EVENT OF ASHURA”

In His Name The Most High.
ABSN December News box.
“THE EVENT OF ASHURA”
The program started at 10.30am with a Quran recitation from Sister Mwajuma Issa who
recited Surah Yaseen. After the recitation sister Fadia welcomed all the members and
thanked them for sparing their time to be with us.
Sister Fadia
Sister Zubeda
Sister Zubeda, MC and translator introduced the first speaker, Sister Batoul who is the
deputy principal of Rasul al Akram Girls Academy.
She talked about how the event of Karbala can be
related to today’s life. She specifically talked about
the lessons from Karbala and how we can learn from
this great victory. Very briefly she mentioned some
of these points:
Fighting oppression – if Imam Husayn (as) had
pledged allegiance to a tyrant ruler, he could have
saved his life, and would have most likely been given
a high post by the caliph, but then Islam would be
twisted.
Sacrifice-there was the sacrifice to save Islam,
something that is precious in order to save the
religion. Examples of these included sacrificing your
wealth for charity, sacrificing the pride in race, colour
and national origin and try to treat everyone the
same way.
Supporting the truth – truth is essence of Islam and
fortifies the values emphasized in the Holy Quran.
How do we enjoin goodness and forbid evil by taking
lessons from this event? Imam Husayn (as) said, “whoever joins us will be martyred,
those who remain behind will miss the victory”.
Ladies participation-without Lady Zainab’s (as) participation in Karbala, the mission of
Imam Husayn (as) could not have been fulfilled. Ladies have a very important role in
preserving the values of Islam.
Patience - Allah (swt) tells us in the Holy Quran that only those who remain patient will
receive reward without measure. Imam Husayn (as) was brought up to understand the
Holy Quran and that is why he was so tolerant during hardships. He was preparing to
receive his reward from Allah (swt).
His patience was not out of weakness or helplessness but an expression of being
steadfast and brave. Those who saw Imam Husayn (as) on the day of Ashura have been
reported to have said, “we have never seen a man remaining as composed as Imam
Husayn (as) whilst his relatives and children were slaughtered before his eyes”.
After the talk from sister Batoul there was a matam performed by Madressa children
from Sagana titled Imam Husayn (as).
Children from Sagana Madressa.
Mr. Rabani special guest from the World Ahlul Bayt (as) Assembly was invited to give a
brief talk. Sheikh Mahdi translated his talk. He started by talking about Imam Husayn
(as) and said that his journey had many stopovers where he gave lectures about his
mission.
He also wrote a letter saying he didn’t leave
out of arrogance but to enjoin the good and
forbid evil.
He wanted people to follow in the footsteps
of the Holy Prophet (saw).Mr.Rabani also
added that believing men and believing
women were the guardians of each other.
Those who survived in Karbala were taken to
Kufa, Damascus and they conveyed this
message. He also said that those who enjoin
good and forbid evil also keep up prayers
and pay zakaat.These were the qualities of
the Imam (as) and others who were at Karbala. Imam (as) upheld these qualities even
under the circumstances that prevailed in Karbala .Even on the day of Ashura one of
Imams(as) companions stood to guard him as he prayed and became a martyr.
The believers also obey Allah (swt) and follow the teaching of the Holy Prophet (saw).
This is in line with the actions of Imam Husayn (as) and his companions in Karbala.
Mr. Rabani gave his appreciations to ABSN and all who helped in organizing the
program, and those who found time to attend.
(Full speeches will be on website Inshallah.)
There were some questions asked by some of the members. The questions were;
Q: Is it true that if two Muslims fight, they become disbelievers?
A: It’s important to remember that both of them cannot be wrong at the same time,
therefore both cannot become disbelievers. If two Muslims fight, look at the right side
and resolve the dispute.
Q: Can a Muslim woman become a Mujahid or a Judge/Kadhi?
A: It’s possible but cannot be Imam (as); one can study up to the highest level to
qualify in different fields but cannot lead the prayers.
Thereafter, sisters from
Sagana presented
a poem titled,
“Shujaa wa Karbala.”
Then there was another talk by Sister Sophya who is a graduate from the University of
Nairobi and also a teacher doing her masters.
She gave a very enlightening talk about
Lady Zainab (as) and her life. How she
played a very big role in Karbala and also
saved Islam. Lady Zainab (as) took charge
of leading the remaining women to safety
as they were taken prisoners and
humiliated. She kept them together
emotionally and spiritually thus showing
great leadership. She stood firm and spoke
courageously in the court of Yazid. After
her release, she returned to Medina via
Karbala where she held mourning sessions
at every stop she made. After her return,
she struggled against injustice and for the
enforcement of the rights of Muslims,
providing a lesson for all.
After the talk there was another
Matam performed by the
Madressa children
from Riruta, titled “Sakina”.
Sister Sakina Taki who is a budding young poet and
university student was welcomed to read one of her
poems from her book “Epitome of Sacrifice”. It was
translated into Swahili by sister Zubeda. The poem
highlighted the importance of unity, getting rid of
oppression and injustice.
Sister Fadia asked the members about the next gathering which will be in January, the
date is yet to be confirmed but we will be going to Ruai Inshallah to commemorate the
fortieth, (Chelum).
Members were presented with an edition of “The epitome of sacrifice” and a
supplications bookmark. In addition, they were given a question to do research, write an
article, and send it back to ABSN.The theme is,” What lessons do we take from Karbala
and how do we implement them in today’s life?”
Sister Nazneen Karim gave a closing speech where she started by sending her
condolences to all for this occasion and pray that every time we meet we learn
something and use it in our daily lives. And may Allah (swt) reward all our efforts for
attending all the gatherings. She thanked all the speakers and reciters from various
areas.
She briefed our members on what has been happening, especially the projects that have
been going on. One of the projects is a tailoring course of which there are 17 students, if
the funds allow us to continue, we would like to see them graduate soon, Inshallah.
The religious and computer classes are going well, Alhamdullilah.We just need a proper
place and funds to improve our standard. Our other room is now ready. The group
leaders were invited to meet and discuss a whole year’s program for the gatherings.
There was Dua al Wahda which was led by sister Jamila and after that, members went
for prayers and then lunch.
Ahlul Bayt (as) Sisters Network would sincerely like to thank all the sisters and donors
who made this day possible.
Thought for the month:
One of the indisputable lessons of life is that we cannot get or keep
anything for ourselves alone unless we get it for others as well…..
“And for you I will be an example”
Imam Husayn (as).
If you would like to send suggestions, comments or contributions please write to
Sister Zahida, [email protected]
Or Sister Fadia, [email protected].
Thank you!