Reflections

9th waaz – 10th Moharramul Haraam, 1425 H – Dubai

Aashura is the day of forgiveness for all sins. There is, however, one condition - towbatan nasooha (sincere remorse). True towba is when one seeks absolution for one's sins on the basis that one will not repeat those sins.

One of the sins for which Huzurala (TUS) made specific mention was that of drinking alcohol. On one occasion when Imam Husain (AS) went to Yazid's (LA) court he found that Yazid was drunk and listening to music. Yazid, in his stupor, told the server of the wine to serve it to Husain (AS) but when he came near him, Imam Husain (AS) looked at him with such anger that he didn't dare offer it. Imam Husain (AS) declared there and then that if Yazid were to be made caliph, Husain (AS) would not pledge anything to him; only the sword. This was because he had seen him drinking wine.

Huduud kiraam down the ages have sacrificed their lives in order to preserve the sanctity of Islam. During the fitnat of Jafar (LA), Mowlaya Raj (AQ) went house to house in Ahmedabad disguised as a beggar. When people offered him sadaqa he would tell them that he was not a beggar but had come to guide them back to the Dai. When the enemies came to know of this they brutally murdered him.

When Muawiya died and appointed his son as Caliph Imam Husain (AS) refused to swear allegiance to him. Imam Husain (AS) was in Medina at the time and the governor of Medina was instructed to call Husain (AS) at night to give his allegiance. Imam Husain (AS) refused and was annoyed by the governor's insolence. He told him he would come when the people at large were called for the bay'ah. Imam Husain (AS) left Medina immediately and headed for Karbala.

The people of Kufa were desperately calling Imam Husain (AS), pledging their support for him against Yazid. Husain (AS) had sent Muslim bin Aqeel (RA) to Kufa. He had secured the support of 100,000 Kufis. Yazid sent Ubaydullah bin Ziyaad (LA) to Kufa to quash the potential uprising and he soon captured Muslim (RA). With his capture and execution the Kufi support fell apart but by this time Imam Husain (AS) was already on his way to Kufa.

Hur (AS) stopped Imam Husain (AS) near Karbala and asked him why he had come to Iraq. Imam Husain (AS) showed a bag of letters from the Kufan people inviting him to come to Kufa. He told Hur (AS) that he would be happy to turn back if they no longer wanted him there. He was not allowed to go back and refused to go to Ubaydullah.

Initially the enemy army were small in number and Habib bin Mazahir (RA) suggested that they fight immediately. Imam Husain (AS) refused to instigate battle against a Muslim army. On the 9th of Moharram the enemy mounted an offensive and Imam Husain (AS) asked for a night's delay, which he was given. Husain (AS), his as'haab and Ahle Bayt (AS) spent that night in ibaadat, praying for Mumineen.

On this Aashura day Huzurala (TUS) bestowed many duas on Mumineen throughout the waaz. He prayed for those who didn't have children and for children who had lost their parents. He prayed for Mumineen's families, businesses, education and income. Huzurala (TUS) stated, "Live comfortably, happily, Mamluke Aale Mohammed's comfort is in your comfort!"

Huzurala (TUS) prayed for those Mumineen who did not have suitable homes to live in and said that he was doing what he could for them. Then Huzurala (TUS) said, "Mumineen! Your place is in my heart!"

Huzurala (TUS) spoke of how he had entered old age but that he was young and active in the khidmat of Imamuz Zamaan (AS) and in praying and working for Mumineen.

May Allah grant Aqamola (TUS) a long and healthy life to provide solace and comfort for every Mumin, for every Aashura to come.

Ameen