Muharram 1445 – July 18, 2023: Imam Husayn – Nur-i Ali

By: Sadruddin Noorani, Chicago, USA

This month is of special significance as Imam  Abū ʿAbdullāh al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAli ibn Abi Ṭālib (alayhis-salaam) was born on the 3rd of Sha’ban 4 A.H., January, 626 C.E. in Medina, the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (salla-llahu alayhi wa aalihi wa salaam) was martyred on the field of Karbala, Iraq on 10th day of Muharram 61 A.H. or 10th October 680 C.E. (at age 57). Imam Husayn (a.s.) was 6 years old during the demise of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his mother Hazrat Bibi Fatima al-Zahra (a.s.). According to several hadiths, martyrdom was also predicted by the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Many Muslims, both Sunni and Shi’ah, remind themselves of this tragic event which was the great sacrifice of Imam Husayn (a.s.) in the cause of saving Islam by refusing to render homage to the then Umayyad caliph Yazid and observe deep sorrow and grief during the month of Muharram out of respect for the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.). For Shi’ah Muslims, in particular, the first 10 days of Muharram are of special significance, reminding us of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.) who, with less than 100 companions and supporters including his family members was martyred and surviving family members (women and children) were taken as prisoners. The tenth day of Muharram is called Ashura’ and is derived from Hebrew word Asor which means the great Day of Atonement. In Mecca, the door of the Ka’bah is opened for visitors on the day of Ashura’.

On 10th day of Muharram in the afternoon the battle became fiercer, Imam Husayn (a.s.), alone and weary, returned to his tents to console the terrified women and children and bid them farewell for the last time, and to consign spiritual authority of Imamat to his son, Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.).

Shi’ahs around the world express their sorrow and mourning in the variety of forms and ways. These include pilgrimages to sacred places such as Karbala; enacting passion plays or ta’ziyah representing events at Karbala; reciting poetry and prose depicting Imam Husayn’s (a.s.) sufferings, courage and spiritual steadfastness; and avoiding festive occasions in general. In some communities mourning rites continue for 40 days, up to 10th of Safar. 

In the Ismaili Muslim Tariqah, we respect and observe the shahadat or martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.) with simplicity and also offer special prayers and avoid or postpone festive occasions. In addition, we believe in the Hazar (the present) and Mawjud (the living) Imam. We believe that Nur-i Ali is ever present and living in each successive Imam by the appointment (nass) of the previous Imam. After Mawla Ali (alayhis-salaam) this eternal Nur was present in Imam Husayn (a.s.) and the same eternal Nur is present in our current Imam of the-Time; it’s forms are different. Just as candles that could be of different colors, but they all emit the same light; it’s essence is the same, only forms are different and/or names can be different, the rope of Imamat continues. However, we practice and maintain simplicity during the entire month of Muharram and avoid or postpone any festive occasions, including marriage ceremonies. 

Let us humbly submit our shukrana (gratitude) as we are fortunate that we receive continuous Hidayah (guidance) for betterment of our spiritual and worldly matters through the same Light of Nur-i Ali.

Previous post: https://ismailimail.blog/2020/10/17/sadruddin-noorani-chandraat-of-rabi-al-awwal-hijri-1442-october-17-2020/

Recommended reading:

The Ismaili Imams: A Biographical History

Author: Farhad Daftary

ISBN: 9780755617982