Imam Hussein (as) & his revival of Islam

The Master of Martyrs (as) has kept Islam alive

Imam Hussein (as), the Master of Martyrs, fought against oppression and tyranny and gave everything he had, his children, his family and himself in order to save Islam. Imam Hussein’s (as) movement was able to destroy a dynasty. The reason we cry for Imam Hussein (as) and hold mourning sessions, which we were told to do by Imam al-Sadiq (as), is not only because the tragedies of Imam Hussein (as) truly breaks our hearts and fills us with sorrow but it is to continue his uprising against oppression and tyranny.

The true aim of the Master of Martyrs (as)

The society at the time of Imam Hussein (as) was in such as state that, the holy Imam (as) was forced to take a strong stand and endure great tragedies to save the TRUE Islam. The ceremonies and other acts of mourning we carry out and hold are not only to achieve merits but rather to remember the message of pure Islam and keep it alive.

Sayyid Hassan Khomeini:

“Ashura is an uprising against oppression and deviation.”

Sayyid Hassan Khomeini said: “We are now faced with a society, which more than ever is in need of learning and understanding the lesson of Ashura. We must always keep Ashura as a fountain of truth in our minds.”

The message of Ashura

Imam Khomeini and Ashura

The leader of the Islamic revolution referred to the life of Imam Hussein (as) and his political aims in many speeches. It was Imam Hussein’s (as) uprising that was an inspiration for the Islamic revolution. He explained the philosophy behind Imam Hussein’s (as) rise against oppression and the mourning ceremonies that are held for him.

Change of Flags

The changing of the flags of the two holy shrines at Karbala

The red flags of these two holy shrines were changed yesterday as a symbol of the start of the month of Muharram and mourning. Thousands of people witnessed this event, which declared the commencement of the grief of the Shi’a for the loss of the master of martyrs, Imam Hussein (as) and his honourable household, and the difficulties they endured for the sake of Islam.

The importance of Muharram in the words and sayings of Imam Khomeini

The Message of Muharram is portrayed in the following selection of texts chosen from the great leader of the revolution’s statements and words regarding the importance of the ceremonies held mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (as). With the appearance of the new moon, Muharram, the month of heroism, bravery, and sacrifice has commenced. It is a month wherein the blood conquered the sword; it is a month in which the power of truth defeated the wrong forever and stamped the forehead of tyrants and the satanic governments and their stigma.‬

Muharram

Muharram and Ashura

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (as), the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (saw) and the third Imam and leader of the Shi'a. Imam Hussein's (as) martyrdom is a sad day for all Muslims especially the Shi'a, who mourn the massacre of their "Master of Martyrs" and his family in Karbala in 61AH/680CE.

Eid al-Ghadeer in London

The Celebration Ceremony of Eid al-Ghadeer in London

Eid al-Ghadeer is a day which many Shi’as all over the world celebrate. It is the day when Amir al-Mu’mineen was named the successor of the Prophet (saw). The sermon the Prophet (saw) read on this day has been recorded not only by the Shia but also by authentic Sunni sources. The Prophet (saw) talks of two weighty things, the Qur’an and the household of the Prophet (saw), which Muslims must cling on to in order to stay on the true path of Islam. Unfortunately this sermon is overlooked by many Sunni Muslims.