Fifth Anniversary of Fatwa Against ISIS

Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s advice on the 5th anniversary of his fatwa against ISIS

June 14, 2019/in All News, Featured, Human rights, Middle East, NEWS BRIEFS, Other News, Shia islam, world /

SHAFAQNA– On the fifth anniversary of the fatwa (edict) that was issued by top Shia marja’a Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Sistani against the ISIS terrorist group, his remarks addressing the people of Iraq was read by his representative Sheikh Ahmad al-Safi during Friday prayers sermons in the holy city of Karbala.

According to Shafaqna, A statement released by the office of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Sistani reads:

Five years ago on June 13, 2014, the Iraqi Shia religious authority issued a fatwa from the Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn (A.S) in Karbala. The edict called on every able-bodied Iraqi man to take up arm and defend the country, the nation and its sanctuaries against the ISIS (Daesh) terrorists who had taken vast swathes of land and were threatening the Iraqi capital Baghdad as well as other governorates.

After this edict -which was al-jihad al-kifa’i or a collective obligation – was declared, Iraqi men from all walks of life, old and young, enthusiastically rushed to the battle fields and fought for more than three years against the terrorists. They displayed acts of heroism and made sacrifices to save the country and its sacred sites, they had tens of thousands of martyrs and injured. As the result, God Almighty granted them victory; they could defeat the terrorists, purge Iraqi lands of nasty aggressors and eradicate terrorists’ delusional state.
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:::::World's Biggest Pilgrimage Now Underway:::::

It's not the Muslim Hajj, or the Hindu Kumbh Mela.. Known as Arbaeen, it is the world's most populous gathering and you've probably never heard of it! Not only does the congregation exceed the number of visitors to Mecca (by a factor of five, in fact), it is more significant than Kumbh Mela, since the latter is only held every third year. In short, Arbaeen dwarfs every other rally on the planet, reaching twenty million last year. That is a staggering %60 of Iraq's entire population, and it is growing year after year.

Above all, Arbaeen is unique because it takes place against the backdrop of chaotic and dangerous geopolitical scenes. Daesh (aka 'Islamic State') sees the Shia as theirmortal enemy, so nothing infuriates the terror group more than the sight of Shia pilgrims gathering for their greatest show of faith.

There's another peculiar feature of Arbaeen. While it is a distinctively Shia spiritual exercise, Sunnis, even Christians, Yazidis, Zoroastrians, and Sabians partake in both the pilgrimage as well as serving of devotees. This is remarkable given the exclusive nature of religious rituals, and it could only mean one thing: people regardless of color or creed see Hussein as a universal, borderless, and meta-religious symbol of freedom and compassion.

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10 Majalis by Maulana Zamir Haider Rizvi

Spreading the Brotherhood Through Water Bottle

Birmingham: One often goes to an India-Pakistan match expecting aggressive behaviour from supporters of both teams.
The animosity between the two countries is well known as both countries have fought battles very often. But it was a pleasant feeling at Edgbaston, when, as I got out of my taxi, I was offered a bottle of water by a group of ladies with the message “treat your neighbours as if they were your family”.
These are words from Hussain ibn Ali who lived in 620 AD and served as a role model for people promoting compassion and generosity. The message urges everyone to visit the website www.whoishussain.org.
An Indian fan, who was being given a bottle, was heard asking a lady: Is this Indian water or Pakistan water? To which the lady replied: “It is a bottle of water from people who want peace in this world and wishes everyone lives as a family and not enemies.”
Flags and caps of both the nations were sold separately. Interestingly, a Pakistani was seen selling Indian flags. He was wearing a Pakistan cap to express his support. When asked why he was selling Indian flags, he said: “My brother is selling for the Pakistan fans, and for us it does not matter who buys it as long as we are able to meet our fans’ demands,” he said.
As I was walking towards the stadium entrance, I could hear silent whispers: “Want a ticket for 300?” Incidentally, despite the match being of mere statistical importance, tickets were still being sold by touts since the majority of matches were sold out within three hours of release last month.
The atmosphere outside was so electrifying that at the media gate a volunteer was heard asking Sami Ul Hassan, the International Cricket Council’s Media and Communications Manager: “Why don’t you organise an India-Pakistan match every year here. It feels so good.”
When I entered the stadium there was bright sunlight, and when I remarked it was a wonderful day, a volunteer warned: “Please don’t trust the English weather.” This volunteer who hails from Hyderabad in India, has been living in England for the last 14 years.
“I was really surprised when we had such bright sunshine for the England-Australia match here. For a while I wondered whether I am really in England,” he added.
Inside the stadium the crowd kept chanting the names of their country loudly right from the start. In the press box, Indian and Pakistan reporters were given front rows and neutral country reporters like me and those from Sri Lanka and England occupied the back row of the packed press box. (Story Source)

Tonight the Birth Anniversary of Hadhrat Abul Fazlil Abbas (a.s.) at Zainabia, Mumbai

 The Shia world celebrates the birthday of Hadhrat Abul Fazlil Abbas (a.s.) on 4th of Sha'baan, but, it is the uniqueness of Bombay Shias that they celebrate it on 7th of Rajab.
in this regard to-night there is a Mehfil-e-Maqasidah at Zainabia Imambada organised by Anjuman-e-Alamdaria, Azamgarh. It is the 63rd year of celebration under the banner of "Mad-he-Baabul Hawaij."
Eight outstation poets and Nine local poets will read out their poetry.
Starting time for this Mehfil is 9.00 PM which may continue upto Fajr prayers.

All are invited 

Mumbai, Mourning the Demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.)

The month of Safar has 2/3 more days. Tomorrow is the 28th day. The day of martyrdom of the holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.) and Imam Hasan (a.s.) his elder grandson.
At different points of the city, there are processions, Taboot shabeeh, shab-bedaari and majalis.
A procession begins from Yaqub Street and ends up at Moghal Masjid. It is organised by Anjuman-e-Azadaran-e-Husain.
At Zainabia Imambada, Anjuman-e-Asghariya has arranged a shab-bedaari and invited more than 50 city Anjumans for nauha and mataam for the whole night.
Processions at Kurla, Govandi and different areas of the city are held tonight.
Tomorrow after the Friday prayers a procession will start from Sohana compound at Mumbra and will terminate at Shia qabrastan. It is organised by Anjuman-e-Saahebuz Zamaan.
A Juloos From Madarsa-e-Islamiya, Gate no 7, to Madarsa-e-Baqaria, Gate no 8, Malvani, Malad (West). India Maharashtra Mumbai will be held tomorrow at 6.00 PM. It is organised by Anjuman-e-Ghamkharan-e-Karbala.

Azadaari in Afghanistan

Majlis and Juloos at Vasai (Mumbai)

Maybe this is our last Moharram?

The following message is sent by bro. Asker Raza Kazmi to share with the readers.
Moharram is approaching.... Therefore lets start preparing spiritually and mentally. 
Here are a few things to try to make our remembrance of Imam Husain (peace be upon him) a more lasting and rewarding experience.
1. Do wudhu (abulution) and wear casual wear & attend Majalis.
2. Try to be on time in Majalis.
3. Don't stand outside and enter when Maulana starts the Hadees.
4. Switch off or keep on silent mode your mobiles before entering the Hall.
5. Try to adjust comfort/yourself where ever u find place.
6. Do not park your vehicles at wrong place it will cause inconvenience to others and unwanted.
7. Interruption for Maulana to announce your vehicle no to take out from wrong parking.
8. Don't cross talk among your friends in the majalis because Maulana will speak we have to listen.
9. Don't waste the Niaz(Tabarruk serve after Majalis), because it is a medicine for incurable diseases.
10. While having Niaz (Tabarruk) after Majalis, don't crack jokes and talk un-related topics other than Azadari.
11.Avoid Riakari (showoff) as it is a very dangerous and incurable diseases directly leads to Valley of Hell.
12. Always attend Majalis with your full family, and take feedback from your children’s.

Maybe this is our last Moharram (last chance)?
In my personal opinion after having composed and read the below lessons again and again, I have reached to a conclusion that it would be our first step to prepare for Moharram. And if we take the first step correctly, there is a good chance that we may succeed in achieving what we need to achieve being a true soldier of Imam-e-Zamana (A.T.F.S.A. - A.S.).

12 LESSONS FROM KARBALA
1. Purpose of life.
2. Abrupt change & complete U turn in Life.
3. Importance of Leadership & Taqleed.
4. Selection of Spouse & Islamic Upbringing.
5. Avoid unlawful earning, greediness & worldly gains.
6. Better husband & wife relationship.
7. Importance of Prayers.
8. Importance of Knowledge.
9. Calling Azan.
10. Importance of Hijab.
11. Water, Water, Water.
12. Sacrifice, Sacrifice, Sacrifice.

Effect of Moharram on Pakistani Economy

Pakistani economy gains more than Rs.one hundred and twenty six billion... (126,000,000,000) in the name of Imam Husain (a.s.). 
When in Pakistan only this much amount spent in the way of the martyrs of Karbala, How much would it to contribute to the world economy?
A poet has expressed beautifully:

Itni Daulat Hee Kahaan Tere Khazaane Mein Yazeed

Jitna  ik  Sheh  Ka  Azadaar  Luta  Deta  hai 

اتنی دولت ہی کہاں تیرے خزانے میں یزید

جتنا اک شہ کا عزادار لٹا دیتا ہے.

Watch the following Video:

Sermon of Hadhrat Zainab (s.a.) in Yazid's Court

“All praise be to the Lord of the worlds! And blessings of Allah upon His Messenger and his entire progeny! How true has Allah, the Glorious, said: 'Then evil was the end of those who wrought evil, for they belied the Signs of Allah, and at them they used to mock.' (Surah ar-Room, 30:10).

Court of Yazid in Damascus

O Yazid! Now when you have locked the paths of the earth and the horizon of the heavens upon us, and driven us similar to the captives, do you presume that we are degraded in the eyes of Allah while you are endeared? While you have acquired an eminent and lofty status near Allah due to this? So you look down upon us and become arrogant, elated, and you rejoice that the world has turned towards you? You assume that your task is organized, while your sovereignty and kingdom pleases you? Gradually you seem to have forgotten the words of Allah, the Mighty, the Sublime, 'Let not those who disbelieve think that Our giving them respite is good for their selves; We only give respite to them that they may increase in sins, and for them is a disgraceful chastisement.^' (Surah aal-'Imraan, 3:178).

Reference: Nafasul Mahmoom

For traditions visit http://www.seratonline.com/category/traditions/

The Army of Umar, the Son of Sa'ad in Karbala

Greetings to All on the Birth Anniversary of Hadhrat Zainab (a.s.)

Today is 5th Jamaadil Awwal, the birth anniversary of Hadhrat Zainab (a.s.), called as Sayyda Zainab. Sayyida Zainab (sa) is the elder daughter of Imam Ali (as) and Hazrat Fatima Zahra (sa), and eldest granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Ummul Momineen Hazrat Khadijah (sa). She was the third child of the family i.e. she was born after Imam Hussain (as). She is the sister of Imam Hasan (as) and Imam Hussain (as), Sayyid Shabab ul Jannah. Her younger sister is Hazrat Umm-e-Kulsoom (sa).
Fatima (AS) and Ali (AS) did not name their child until a few days after her birth, for they awaited the Prophet's return from a journey so that he could propose the name.
When finally the baby girl was brought before him he held her in his lap and kissed her. The Angel Jibra'il came to him and conveyed the name that was to be hers, and then he began to weep. The Prophet (PBUH&HF) asked why Jibra'il wept and he answered,

"O Prophet of Allah. From early on in life this girl will remain entangled in tribulations and trials in this world. First she will weep over your separation (from this world); thereafter she will bemoan the loss of her mother, then her father, and then her brother Hasan. After all this she will be confronted with the trials of the land of Karbala and the tribulations of that lonely desert, as a result of which her hair will turn grey and her back will be bent."  Read More

 Ziarat of Hadhrat Zainab:

Mukhtar Namah on the Net

A wonderful serial on Janaabe Mukhtar (Mukhtar Namah) can be viewed on the internet.
Go to site www.shiasource.com
click on "drive"

open the folder "Iranian Serials and Films"

Click "Mokhtar Narrative"
Right Click on the episode to  download, double click to watch directly.
The film is in Persian with English subtitles.
If you love to have DVD instead of watching on the net, contact: tabarsi59@gmail.com

Ziyarat of Arbaeen

Arbaeen, also called Chehlum in India, will be on Tuesday, 25th of January. There are Majalis, Shab-bedaari, Nauha Khwani and Juloos in Mumbai city. Also on the day of Chehlum a procession starts from Zainabia and terminates at Rehmatabad graveyard in Mazgaon. The route of the procession (juloos) is Zainabia Imambad, Bhendi Bazar, Moghal Masjid, J.J. Hospital, Noor Bagh, Sales Tax office and Rehmatabad. In many parts of the city Ziyarat of Arbaeen is recited along with A'maal.
Ziyarat of Arbaeen is a sign of faith to salute Imam Husain (a.s.) on the 20^th of Safar and to perform his Ziyarat. Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s.) has taught the Ziyarat of Imam Husain (a.s.) on the day of Arbaeen as follows: He says:

Perform the Ziyarat in the following manner after the sun is considerably up:

“At the time of reciting the Ziyarat it is necessary that along with reciting it verbally you must also pay attention on the meaning of that which you are reciting so that you may earn the rewards of Ziyarat along with cognition (Marifat). And you should also be aware of the position and status of the one whose Ziyarat you are reciting.

What was the aim of his martyrdom? Of what aim did he accept this great martyrdom? And what is the secret that along with guidance his martyrdom is bestowed with such freshness and perpetuity? Even after the passage of fourteen hundred years, every day and every time it seems as if this incident has occurred juts today.”

The following sentence of Ziarat Arbaeen explains the aim of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) martyrdom:

He called the people to God, the Prophet and religion in such a way that he left no scope for excuses. He dispensed good advice in the best and the most appropriate manner and O Allah, he sacrificed his life in Your way. So that:

He be able to save Your servants from the dangerous waves of a death of ignorance, deviation, perplexity and confusion.

This statement shows that one of the aim of the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.) was to save people from ignorance and deviation.

One can come out of ignorance through education. The better is the level of education, the more a person would be away from deviation.

One can keep away from deviation through guidance. Guidance means to remain firm on the straight path. Ahle Bayt (a.s.) are the Straight Path. As much as we adopt the manners and morals of Ahle Bayt (a.s.) as much we would be guided. As much as we are educated and guided as much proximate we would be with the aim of the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.).

Click for complete Arbaeen Ziyarat

Juloos at Bandra West

Last night there was a Juloos-e-Aza in Bandra West . The starting point being Gurunanak Park and ending point Bandra Shia Jame' Masjid, Bazaar Road. Many city Anjumans took part in it and had come in tempos and trucks. The progamme started with a Majlis followed by Bushehri maatam at the Park.
The route of the Juloos was Guru Nanak park, Almeida Park, Rizvi Builder's Bunglow, St. Joseph High School, St. Stanislaus High School, Junction of Chapel Road and Bazaar Road. Th e mourners in black clothes swarmed the Bandra West. The niyaz was served at many points which had sherbat, samosas, tea, coffee, snacks etc.
The nauha reciters were chanting nauhas on the Karbala martyrs. Mohammad Atiq, the Security CEO at Rizvi Builders said," for the many years I have been witnessing  the enthusiasm of azadaars (mourners), but, this year the youths were in the forefront."
Fazal of Vakola has come to attend this juloos inspite of his sickness. Ajaz from Nalla Sopara has come a long way with his family and said that he never missed this occasion since it started.
A year old child was doing maatam in the arms of his father, it was his first year of azadaari. Karbala is an inspiration for all.

Drink Water and Remember Imam Husain (a.s.)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.), O Dawood! Curse the killers of Imam Husain (a.s.). There is not a servant that after drinking water remembers Imam Husain (a.s.) and curses his killers, but that Allah will write in his deeds one lakh good deeds, will forgive one lakh sins and raise his position by one lakh grades. (Perhaps it is freeing one lakh people from sins). On the Day of Judgment, Allah will make his heart contented and satisfied.

 Kaamiluz Ziyaraat, Chapter 34, Tradition No. 1, Pg. 346

Juloos-e-Sayyad-e-Sajjad

Last Saturday, on 25th Moharram (01st Jan 2011) a Juloos (procession) was taken out at Kherwadi, Bandra east, Mumbai to commemorate the martyrdom our beloved 4th Imam, Imam Zainul Aabedeen (a.s.).
The Programme started with Namaaz of Maghrib under the Imamat of Maulana Zeeshan Haider Zaidi and later a Majlis by him. This was the 36th year of Juloos organised by Anjuman-e-Faroghe Islam. Several Maatami Anjumans of the city recited nauhas in this procession. Shabeeh of Zuljanaah, Tabut and Alam were also the part of the juloos. The juloos ended at Husaini Chowk (Behram Naka).
There was a concluding programme at the chowk. Qaari Tusi Rizvi started it by reciting some Ayaat from holy Qur'an followed by poets giving their poems on Imam Husain (a.s.) and Imam Sajjad (a.s.). Maulana Zaheer Rizvi was the announcer.
Majlis was addressed by Hojjatul Islam Maulana Sayed Hasnain Kararvi. He talked about the New Year bid'at, grief of holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.) on Imam Husain (a.s.) and Umme Habiba's lamentation on the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.) in Karbala.
The atmosphere was charged with 'Naara-e-Takbir, Naara-e-Risalat, Naarae Haideri and Naara-e-Salawaat.
Below are some of the photographs of the procession.

Sermon of Imam Husayn (a.s.) at Karbala

At Karbala, Imam Husayn (a.s.) called for his mount and mounted it. He called out at the top of his voice:

O people of Iraq, and most of them (began to) listen to him

People, listen to my words and do not hurry (to attack me) so that I may remind you of the duties you have towards me and so that (by telling you the true circumstances) I may free myself from any blame in (your attacking me). If you give me justice, you will become happier through that. If you do not give me justice of your own accord (as individuals), then agree upon your affairs (and your associates); let not your affair be in darkness to you. Then carry (it) our against me and do not reflect (any further) [X : 71]. Indeed my guardian is God, Who created the Book, He takes care of the righteous [VII: 196]

Then he praised and glorified God, and mentioned what God is entitled to. He called for blessings on the Prophet, may God bless him and his family, and on the angels and (other) prophets. No speaker has ever been heard before or after him more eloquent in his speech than he was. He continued:

Trace back my lineage and consider who I am. Then look back at yourselves and remonstrate with yourselves. Consider whether it is right for you to kill me and to violate the honour of my womenfolk. Am I not the son of the daughter of your Prophet, of his testamentary trustee (wall) and his cousin, the first of the believers in God and the man who (first) believed in what His Apostle, may God bless him and his family, brought from his Lord? Was not Hamza, the lord of the martyrs, my uncle? Was not Ja'far, the one who flies in Heaven, my uncle? Have you not heard the words of the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, concerning myself and my brother: 'These are the two lords of the youths of the inhabitants of heaven'? Whether you believe what I am saying and it is the truth, for by God I have never told a lie since I learnt that God hated people (who told) them - or whether you regard me as a liar, there are among you those who, if you asked them, would tell you: Ask Jabir b. Abd Allah al-Ansari, Abu Said al-Khudri, Sahl b. Sad al-Saidi, Zayd b. Arqam and Anas b. Malik to tell you that they heard these words from the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, concerning myself and my brother. Is there not (sufficient) in this to prevent you shedding my blood?

'Karbala source of Shia-Sunni unity'

The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended an Ashura Day ceremony in Istanbul emphasizing that the Karbala tragedy affects all Muslims and should serve as a source of unity among Sunni and Shia Muslims. 

“Hussein's sacrifice is [a] unification rather than a farewell, it is a beginning rather than an end, brotherhood rather than separation. It is solidarity and integration,” Erdogan emphasized at the ceremony, adding that the Karbala tragedy had caused all Muslims pain for more than a millennium. Full Story