What is Azadari?

While in many cultures and religions the New Year is greeted with merry-making, for Muslims the lunar New Year portents tearful eyes and lamentations.

The eyes that anxiously scan the sky for the new crescent of Muharram and Safar well up with tears. That is the proper way to ring in the Hijri New Year since our Aimmah AS looked at the new crescent of Muharram and wept in remembrance of Imam Husayn AS and his household. That is the wont of Our Imam of The Time, Hadhrat Hujjah AFS also. The crescent of sorrow heralds, inter alia, majalis, matam and juloos, each of which is a manifestation of azadari (mourning), the very core of our life.

The mourners (azadar) of Imam Husayn AS pay homage with attendance at Imambarghas all over the world, in villages, in towns, in cities, in metro and megapolises. We weep and mourn in the footsteps of The Prophet SAWW and The Ahlul Bayt AS, inter alia, because the murderers did not allow the kith and kin of the innocent martyrs to weep and mourn and also that Immaculate personages were killed thus depriving the ummah of their companionship, guidance and blessings. They shackled the Imam of the time, Imam Ali Al-Sajjad AS and he could not pray over or bury the dead. The cruel, brutal act of the enemies of The Prophet SAWW created revulsion and the true followers of The Prophet SAWW have made their homes places of mourning and their hearts tombs of martyrs. Azadari is indeed a way of life.

As the month of Dhulhijja with its various joyous occasions winds down, thoughts turn to the Muharram majalis to console Seyyidah Fatimah AS. She was worried who would weep over Imam Husayn AS when neither The Prophet SAWW, Imam Amirul Mu.miniin, herself nor Imam Hassan Al-Mujtaba AS would be present. Seyyidah AS’ blessings are in mourning Imam Husayn AS and therefore azadari makes our lives worth living.

In Muharram and Safar the black clothes come out. Women abandon adornments and ornaments to remember the ladies of Karbala who lost children, fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles, nephews and loyal companions. Muharram also sees fervent activity of preparing the

Imambarghahs, Azakhanas, individual homes and replicas of the ‘alam and taziyah for the majalis of azaa. Indeed, these preparations symbolize cleansing of the mind, the spirit and the self, receiving knowledge and rejuvenating the faith. This is one of the many ways azadari transcends our life.

In majalis, mourners congregate with their compatriots, reminiscing Muharram and Safar in the motherland.Bonds of empathy and sympathy get strengthened as the majalis are delivered in the mother tongue. These majalis draw out the depth of feelings and emotions. At these gatherings, many who had not seen one another since the previous year reunite in a common cause. Once again, there is fraternity, solidarity, and brotherhood. Distinctions of wealth and status melt away as the blue and white collars sit together on the ground in absolute equality. As the azadar listen to nauha (dirges), marathi (elegy), soz, tahtul lafz and latmiyyah new words, new expressions and fresh emotions enter their repertoire. Erudite majalis add to the store of knowledge. Azadari is thus dynamic. It is education in action. The majalis inculcate good manners. Maintaining silence and concentration, respecting and being considerate of others, following instructions, parking vehicles and shoes in orderly manner ennoble adults. To the children, the majalis offer training in discipline, courtesy, silence and curiosity.In Karbala, there were at least 64 children of various ages but not a single instance of unruly behavior. Awn and Muhammad, Kassim and Ali Al-Akber are role models for tweenagers, teenagers and young adults. Similarly, Fatimah Kubra, Rukaiyya and Sakina are role models for girls and young women.

The formations for matam and the Ashura and Chehlum processions are a lesson in harmony, unity and decency as the message of Imam Husayn AS is proclaimed to the world of supporters and enemies. They help curb egotism, individualism and unruliness to portray civility, cooperation, collectivism and order. They are displays of mourning and should eschew joviality, laughter, frivolity and exhibitionism.

The tabarruk and sabeel symbolize the hunger and thirst of Karbala and beyond. The smooth, orderly distribution, proper disposal of plates, cups, spoons, foils and fruit are requisites. The hungry and thirsty children and adults in Karbala showed unparalleled endurance, patience and discipline. Three days of hunger and thirst from seventh to Ashura day, and possibly many more days after that, were enough to drive anyone to desperation. Yet how the whole household of The Prophet SAWW bore it all with dignity and patience is matchless. Seyyidah Zainab AS gave away her share of food to nourish the children in the dungeon of Damascus and became very weak for lack of nourishment.

Azadari teaches emulating the generosity and the spirit of giving that Imam Husayn AS is renown for. In Karbala, Imam Husayn AS and his household gave away everything in the cause of Allah SWT. So, azadari for Imam Husayn AS entails going beyond mere ritualism into the very spirit and purpose of life. It should lead to a better and vibrant community and lift it to greater heights.

The Qur’an in verse 13:58 enjoins an individual to initiate change to bring about collective change. The individual is the ignition. Imam Husayn AS, an individual, stood up to change the Islamic society that had become corrupt. His stand galvanized Habib, Zuhair, Hur and Wahab to join ranks with him in the ultimate sacrifice. The courage, stand and sacrifice of Imam Husayn AS paved the way for our successful future in both worlds. We have to live that success. The Qur’an and azadari go hand in hand. They point us in the right direction with sincerity of purpose and noble intentions. The Prophet SAWW and his Ahlul Bayt AS lived the life of The Qur’an. Azadari teaches us to “Live like Ali and die like Husayn” every day for “Every day is Ashura and every land Karbala”, forever. An Urdu poet captures this in “Waqt ke saylab me har khushko tari beh jayega, magar name Husayn reh jayega.” (In the flood of time every dry and wet thing will flow away, yet the name of Husayn shall live forever).

Hazrat Imam Hussain’s(AS) objective was universal and high in character, restoring supremacy of religion, respect of the humanity preaching and protecting the message of God, he was against infidelity, oppression, tyranny, separatisms and barbarity. The remembrance and commemoration of Hazrat Imam Hussain(AS) is called as Azadari.

Azadari is the best means to promote Islam and give public awareness with the facts and realities of Islam and history. The effects of Azadari in the existence of Islam are eminent till today. Azadari has educated us in all times and every environment and saved us from diversions.

Anyone who accepts the responsibility of propagating the truth and meaning of life they also knows that in the battle of time and place and history they has to choose between the message of Imam Hussain(AS). And the message of Bibi Zainab(AS). In other words they have to fight in the battle of resistance or in the battle of protest. Some choose the path of Hussain for the battle of resistance they are therefore gone but those who have remained have to work like Janab-e-Zainab(AS) and fight in the battle of protest. Azadari is the battle of protest.

Due to the blessings of Azadari people get awareness of their rights, it is the strength to stand against tyranny and oppression. This is Azadari which gave birth to the biggest revolutions, redressed the grievance of oppressed. Azadari is a weapon against oppression. The life of humanity lies in Azadari. Hazrat Imam Hussain(AS) granted salvation to Islam, and protected its eminence from being trampled by kissing martyrdom. Azadari is a universal protest of the oppressed gainst oppression.

A1.Azaadari is not merely the name of some laws, why is it said that the reward for going to Karbala is so much. We have just seen the exterior of religion, we haven't peered at its interior, we are unaware of the spirit of Azaa. In everything we don't understand one point or the other – WHY????

The reward of going to Karbala is equivalent to these many pilgrimages (Hajj) – why, we don't understand. Why do you go for pilgrimage ? what do you get by circling these bricks? What is obtained by staying in these sandy deserts ?? if the spirit of pilgrimage is left behind, then what is obtained by moving or residing in a desert ??

What is the meaning of pilgrimage (Hajj)? Pilgrimage means that when you stand on ‘Maqam-e-Ibrahim' during pilgrimage, you become the successor of Ibrahim (AS). Ie even you became an idol-breaker. Ibrahim was an idol breaker, he was one who sacrificed his child in the way of Allah, he was one who left his wife and child all alone in a desert where there was no trace of air or water, he was one who raised his voice only for Allah, you too when standing on Maqam-e-Ibrahim, become his replica.

When you go to Maqam-e-Ismail….who was Ismail (AS), he was one, when asked for a sacrifice in the way Allah, didn't question once. He just you will find me willing (agreeable)

If a pilgrim returns from pilgrimage, after standing on these positions (of Ibrahim (AS), Ismail (AS) and Hajra (SA)), he must return with the characteristics (/traits) of Ibrahim (AS), Ismail (AS) and Hajra (SA). When you run between the hills of Safaa and Marwah, do you know why?? the run should remind you of Hajra(SA). You have stepped on the place where Hajra ran, you have run in the valley of migration, where Hajra (SA) ran. Once you reach the position of Hajra, on stepping in Safaa & marwah, you must have in mind that my entire life will be spent in safaa and marwaah , following the footsteps of Hajra(SA). I have left (for pilgrimage) to ascertain the course of Ibrahim and Ismail and Hajra (AS).

Why have you done the sacrifice?? to spill the blood of the animal, or to waste his flesh or your money? Not merely to get your sins forgiven, but you have held the animal, held the knife, lain the animal on the ground…because on some piece of land, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), (the Honest friend of Allah S.W.T) had taken the knife in his hand, and lain his most beloved on the ground. Ibrahim became Ibrahim by giving Ismail, by leaving Hajra all alone between Safaa & Marwah; by jumping into the fire of Namrood, Ibrahim(AS) becomes Ibrahim (AS)

So when you're in Azaa, Azaadari is similar to….. just as when you go to the Ka'aba, to Safaa and Marwah, in arafat , you learn the character of Ibrahim (AS), in the same way by participating in Azaadari and raising the alam (flag) of Hazrat Abbas, you are learning the lesson of loyalty. Seeing the Zuljana, you are learning the lesson of valor and persistence of Hussain(AS) in the way of truth, you are standing in Karbala.

And why would it not be sacred, why would it not be obligatory, why shouldn't it be saved, Azaadari is not an ordinary thing. Its not the name given to a few rituals, and we say that the world is progressing. No matter how much the world progresses, until it doesn't follow the path of truth(haq), its conscience will be dead, and this is not progress but it is regress.

If you want human elevation, progress is under the patronage of truth (HAQ), truth is under the patronage of Karbala, and Karbala is there today due to Azaadari. When you go to Karbala, and perform Ziyarat there…. In mecca you stand on the footsteps of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), in Karbala you stand on the footstteps of Imam Hussain (AS)

What did Hussain (AS) do ??? only by reciting a ziyarat or embracing (& kissing )the shrine, doesn't mean performing Ziyarat. Ziyarat is performed by comprehending the composition of Ziyarat e Jamia. And what is that….that I have come. And why did Hussain(AS) say ‘ hal min nasirin yansurna' (who will come to my assistance) in the battle-field of Karbala ?? to save his life ? to save the lives of his children ? to save the lives of his youth ?? the call for assistance was uttered when the youth were martyred.... then after the martyr of all, did he want to save himself ?? NO, he himself had already put upon his body the shroud (kafan) , prepared to be martyred in the way of Allah. then was this call raised to prevent the captivity of the sadaat women?? NO, their captivity was necessary. if they wouldn't be captured and taken to Kufa and Shaam, then the message of Karbala, would remain in Karbala itself. the first Karbala was implemented in Kufa and then in Shaam. then why was this call raised ?? This call was for the fact that I have lifted the standard(alam) of truth (haq), and all the followers of truth (haq) have been martyred here, and I am the only one alive for keeping Karbala alive, and now I am going to be martyred too. but the truth still needs supporters, helpers and followers of truth. It is for this reason that the call of ' hal min nasirin yansurna' was raised, that as far as I could, I brought this flag(alam) till here, from here onwards its your duty to take the truth (haq) from me and disembark(make it reach) it on its destination.

The flag that we lift in Azaa........ it is the law of a battle, that the entire battle depends on the flag. and then there were so many things in Karbala, but for replication we have got the flag only, this is because the battle of truth and falsehood depends on the flag. The battle continues till the flag is upright. The flag shouldn't fall. Today also we carry this flag from street to street, that though the hands that carried the flag were cut off, but the flag hasn't fallen on the ground till today.

Azaadar is the name of one who has come forward and taken the flag from those cut off arms. Azaadar is the name of the one who has the flag of truth & falsehood in his hands, who is a follower of truth, and one who establishes Karbala.

Azaadari is not such that if there is time then done.... always do bring your children in Azaadari, otherwise who will teach the lesson of following the path of truth ?? You will send them to college, teach them lectures, teach them cricket, teach them how to pray and fast, you will teach them the etiquettes of eating and drinking, but who will teach them following the path of truth??? to learn the lesson of 'following the truth' they have to come the school of Hussain(AS). Upon seeing he will question , why do you cry?? why do you beat your chests?? why do you carry the flag (alam)?? questions will arise in the mind of this child, and the answer will be that of following the truth, acquiring the truth.

people say that today there isnt yazeediyat, there is nothing today, then what is the need of Azaadari?? we must forget Karbala.... NO, whenever there is battle of truth and falsehood, it needs the followers of truth. But where will these 'followers of truth' be produced??

For example, war in the life of a soldier is very rare, once in 10, 20 or 50 years. But look at the laws of the army, these soldiers are taught the tactics of war daily, so that they are always prepared for the battle. Even in the days of peace, they are taught war tactics, so that one day when need arises, they prove useful….. otherwise the one who sleeps throughout the year, doesn't touch the rifle, sits stationary during the days of peace, will not be of any use during the warfare also.

Similarly the azaadaar performs azaadari daily, so that one day when he has to go for the battle of truth and falsehood, then throughout his life he has been receiving the lesson of truth, participating in the processions of the ‘following the truth', sitting in the majlis of truth followers, just for this day. It is said for Hazrat Hujjat (AS) and his reappearance (zuhoor) that you keep yourself prepared, be it to the extent of an arrow only. And the one who doesn't prepare himself, like someone who acquires education says I offer prayers, observe fasts, and do everything, I am prepared…… for following the path of truth, for the battle and holy war (jihad), until and unless one participates in Karbala, he cannot be prepared.

Our endeavor is not that how should azaa be done, where and when , but our endeavor is just that WHY should Azaa be practiced. If the answer to this is obtained, then we will also find out that how, when & where should Azaa be done. It should be done daily, every day of the year…..

Even if there isn't food to eat in the house, there is nothing for your children, do make arrangements for the Azaa of Hussain(AS). Because Hussain (AS) gave his children, youth and everything and established Karbala. Karbala is not established by giving monetory funds.

Imagine all the lessons you can learn by studying the entire event of Karbala.

Lesson1:

Abbas, Imam Hussain’s half-brother (Imam Ali’s son), respects the authority of Imam Hussain to the degree that he does not call him “brother”. This shows the importance of leadership and the crucial role of followers, and how a follower should behave.

Lesson2:

Abbas did not call his enemies “Kaffirs”. Instead, he referred to them as “Faasiq” (ie Corrupt). Meaning, you can never call a Muslim “Kaffir”, no matter how corrupt they may be.

Lesson3:

Imam Hussain did not object to the term “Faasiq” being used to refer to Yazid’s troops.

This itself is a litmus test of measuring True Muslims against Corrupt Muslims.

Lesson4:

Killing and fighting corrupt people is not always the preferred me! thod of confronting the corrupt.

Lesson5:

Imam Hussain was very well aware about the historical impact of his actions and the actions of his followers.

So should we.

Lesson6:

Imam Hussain did not just say “no”, instead, he provided an alternative to calm down an angry soldier. The solution is completely the opposite of what was requested.

Fighting and killing were requested, but Imam Hussain offered the alternative of water (life) and helping children (future of mankind).

Lesson7:

Abbas did not act alone, and before he could act on anything, he stepped forward and asked for permission.

Lesson8:

When permission was denied, he did not argue or rebel or ask questions. He obeyed and went to fetch water for children.

Lesson9:

Imam Hussain’s mission was not to fight or to kill. His mission was to establish the true Islam, and show to the world the difference between his Islam and the Islam of Umayyads.

Lesson10:

Imam Hussain explains why he is refusing the request, providing a rational explanation that includes the message of peace.

So many lessons in one dialogue. Imagine all the lessons you can learn by studying the entire event of Karbala.

Those who do not know Hussain, indeed do not know Islam.

And I stand firm by this statement on Judgement Day.

What is the philosophy of Azadari (mourning and lamentation) for Imam Husain? By Grand Ayatullah Sayyid seestani.

Why is Husain (A) regarded as the "leader of the martyrs"? It is because he was not just the victim of an ambitious ruler. There is no doubt that the tragedy of Kerbala, when ascribed to the killers, is a criminal and terrible act. However when ascribed to Husain (A) himself, it represents a conscious confrontation and a courageous resistance for a sacred cause. The whole nation had failed to stand up to Yazid. They had succumbed to his will, and deviation and regression towards the pre-Islamic ways were increasing.

Passiveness by Husain (A) in this situation would have meant the end of Islam as we know it. Thus Husain (A) took upon himself the responsibility of the whole nation. The greatest tragedy was that one who stood up for the noblest of causes, the defense of Islam, was cut down in so cruel a manner.

It is for this reason that the sacrifice of Husain (A) is commemorated annually throughout the Muslim world. Our sorrow never abates as we relive the tragedy.

The commemoration of Ashura on the 10th of Muharram every year serves to remind us of the sacrifices of the family of the Prophet (S). It also makes us aware of the people, then and now, who tried to destroy Islam and the family of the Prophet (pbuh) and all that they stood for - as well as those who watched, listened and did nothing.

The principal purpose of mourning during 'Ashura, is to respect and revive the symbols of religion and remember the suffering of Imam Hussain (a.s.), his companions, and his uprising to defend Islam and prevent the destruction of the religion by Bani Umayyad dynasty. These rites must be done in such a way that in addition to serving that purpose, it draws the attention of others to these lofty goals

Taken from Grand Ayatullah Sistani's Official Web site

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