Arbaeen Refreshes the Revolutionary Inspiration of Karbala

Arbaeen Refreshes the Revolutionary Inspiration of Karbala

Arbaeen Refreshes the Revolutionary Inspiration of Karbala-Highlight of Sayyid's Zakzaky's Arbaeen Lecture. By Dauda Nalado
The fortieth day majlis after the Karbala tragedy, popularly tagged arbaeen was observed worldwide.

 The Islamic Movement in Nigeria was not left behind. Muslims trooped in multitudes to Bakiyyatullah Husainiyya at Zaria on Saturday 20th Safar, 1433 H/14th January, 2012.

This year there were many brothers and sisters from different parts of the country notably those from Zaria periphery, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi Kano, Bichi, who trekked to the venue in order to grace the occasion. In his speech, the revered leader of the Movement, his eminence, Sayyid Zakzaky (H) identified with the Muslims in mourning on this date. He noted the increase over the years of the population of people trooping to Karbala during arbaeen. The official number quoted was 18 million. In Lebanon multitudes of people including women, children and the aged trekked to ba’al bakk, an ancient terminal which the progeny of the Prophet were arduously dragged through on their roundabout route to Damascus after the Karbala tragedy. The tomb of Hawlah, who died on transit, is located at this important terminal.

Sayyid (H) noted that whosoever observes, keenly, the arbaeen gatherings worldwide, will ponder on the moving force inherent in the minds of participants. The ‘mind’ surpasses every force or money bargain. Those attendant humble minds were reiterating their unflinching loyalty to the cause of the Imam. They wished that they were at the plains of Karbala then. The issue of the sacrifice of Imam Husain (AS) transcends beyond Islam. Hitler of Germany, India’sMahatma Gandhi and some Christians hold Husain sacrifice as a Model.

Husain, therefore, continues to be a rallying point for the salvation of mankind. In his speech Malam (H) noted, rather with dismay, that some Muslims consider the issue of Husain as exclusively for the ‘Shi’ah’. The Muslim Ummah is unanimous on the narration that Hasan and Husain are the leaders of the youth in paradise. It may not be an overstatement to say that whosoever thinks Karbala concerns only the Shi’ah should reexamine his belief with the Holy Prophet (SAWA).

Sayyid (H), as the tradition in such gatherings, briefly reviewed the Ashura happenings after the final severing of the head of Husain (AS), the humiliating display of the progeny of the Prophet through major towns, the inhuman journey to Damascus and the encounter of the cursed Yazeed (LA) with Zainab and Aliyu zainul abideen (salamullah wa salamuhu alaihim).
On the issue of the number ‘arbaeen’ (40), his Eminence explained that there is a special divine marvel behind it. He cited some examples: The prophet started to receive revelation at 40. Musa (AS) prepared (miqati) for 40 days before ‘talking’ to his Lord. Sulayman (AS) made special prayers when he reached 40.

In the ahadith, it was reported that man metamorphoses at the mother’s womb in stages each 40 days interval before he becomes a living embryo. There is also the famous narration from Imam Hasan Askariy (AS) that there are five distinctive signs to identify a true believer: Near and far Ziyaratu arbaeen (40); putting on rings on the right wrist finger (s); regular observance of a total (obligatory and optional) 51rakats in day and night; shukr prostration (at the end of prayers) on piece of sand and finally recitation of Basmalah (bismillahirrahmanirraheem) openly in both silent and quite recitations in obligatory prayers). Also whosoever secludes himself for 40 days, Allah would bestow him with marvelous wisdom. Sayyid Zakzaky in his remarks also emphasized that the actions of Yazeed and those of Husain continue to manifest and draw parallels in our lives today.

He cited the sad development where some Yazeedistelements implant bombs which kill innocent men, women and children. Hence Ashura lives on. Again, Malam (H) provided a food for thought to the advocates of removal of ‘bidiah’ by explaining the fact that it was Jabeer bn Abdullah al ansariy (RA), the renowned companion of the Prophet, who was the first to visit the tomb of Imam Husain at Karbala on the fortieth day after Ashura. So even according to their supposedly set standard, ziyaratu arbaeen is an established Sunnah. Sayyidah Zaynab, Imam Zaynul abideen and the remaining members of the progeny of the Prophet, after being released, met Jabeer at Karbala. They brought along the severed heads of the Imam and other martyrs and linked them with the respective bodies. They stayed for three days and mourned.

Sayyid Zakzaky, before the final note, translated a narration of the letter sent by Imam Ja’afar as Saadiq (AS) to his cousin Abdullah bn Hasan. The latter, together with members of his family were jailed. So the Imam sent the letter in order to soothe the aggravations of his kin. He tried to persuade them to persevere on the calamity that befell them. For every museeba, there is a corresponding reward. He cited many verses from the Holy Qur’an exhorting man to perseverance. The letter also touched on the fact that this world is worthless in the ‘eyes’ of God.  If it has a value, the unbeliever could never get even a drop of water. Allah usually tests the believers with museeba. Their perseverance raises their status with God. Imam Sadiq cited great museebas that were inflicted on his grandfathers Ameeril mu’umineen, Imam Hasan and Imam Husain. They all persevered. Sayyid Zakzaky (H) urged listeners to derive and act upon the valuable lessons from this golden letter.

On a final note, Malam (H) noted that one stands to get sa’adah as a result of sympathy to the Karbala museeba. On the other hand, one stands to get shaqawah as a result of affirming the museeba. There is no NEUTRAL position. Those who claim neutrality are actually for Yazeed. Either be for Husain or be for Yazeed. Imam Mahdi (AF) will take vengeance on those that follow the ‘aqeedah’ of Umayyads. They are pleased with the actions of the Umayyads.
Maghrib and Isha’i prayers were conducted. After that Sayyid (H) recited the Ziyarats of Arbaeen and Ashura. Then Du’a Alqamah was recited. The majlis was closed and people set for their respective destinations hoping for a similar chance years to come.

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Some Members Visit Karbala

Some Members Visit Karbala

 The Nigerian students together with some Students from other countries have already arrived in Iraq on Thursday the 5^th of January 2012. Since their arrival in Iraq the students paid visit to the shrine of Imam Ali(AS) together with that of Prophet Adam(AS), Nuhu(AS), Hudu(AS), Salih(AS) in Najaf and other companions and righteous servants.

The students are to trek to Karbala from Najaf to attend forty-day commemoration of Imam Husain(AS).

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Highlight of Sheikh Zakzaky's Closing Speech in B/kebbi

Highlight of Sheikh Zakzaky's Closing Speech in B/kebbi

After succinct recap of the events of the conference by Malam Abubakar Nuhu, Sheikh Zakzaky delivered his speech which covered the various topics discussed earlier on by various speakers. Commenting on the topic of Moral virtues and good conduct, Sheikh Zakzaky reiterated that one’s actions personify him. He called upon Muslims generally and especially those in attendance to aspire to put in practice the teachings of Islam with sincerity. On the issue of knowledge, Sheikh emphasized that the purpose of knowledge is to put it into action. He therefore called on the members at the conference to seek knowledge and act accordingly.

While commenting on the issue of Awareness, it was emphasized that a Muslim is supposed to be current with his time, because no matter what level of knowledge one may possess he may not be relevant if he is unaware of his time. Another aspect of the conference touched by Sheikh Zakzaky was the issue of marital life. He lamented on the manner some Muslims conduct their marital affairs, reverting to cultural way of life as against what has been prescribed by Islam. He particularly observed how the Muslim women are at the receiving end when it comes to domestic affairs. The Sheikh therefore called on the participants to adjust and make up.

The last aspect of Sheikh’s speech was on the Islamic Awakening. He noted that oppression as a basic factor that led to the uprisings in the Arab countries is also prevalent here in Nigeria. He therefore called on the participants of the conference to be vigilant and keep an open eye over the awakening that is in the making lest it should be hijacked by the enemies of Islam.      

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Part of Sheik Zakzaky’s Interview with Kebbi State Radio and Television

Part of Sheikh Zakzaky’s activities in Birnin Kebbi for the closing ceremony of the Conference organized by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria was interview offered to Kebbi State Radio and Television. In the interview the Sheikh was asked among other things his assessment of the Sharia that was claimed to be implemented in the states of Northern Nigeria. The Sheikh responded by saying there was no much change achieved considering the fact that the Sharia advocated by the governors was already enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. The politicians who championed the Sharia campaign have done little in changing the status quo. They should have simply embarked on reforms to expand the provisions of the constitution to improve the well being of their people. The politicians have made the people to believe that the real Sharia that encompasses the whole of human life was to be implemented. He likened the scenario to somebody promising to build new cities for his people only to end up patching old dilapidated ones.

On the issue of Boko Haram, when asked to comment, the Sheikh responded that it may be part of the ploy to divert the attention of the public from the illegality of the present government. The Sheikh argued that everyone knows that the government did not win the April, 2011 elections; they manufactured the post election violence and now Boko Haram to divert people’s attention and give legality to the government. Sheikh asked what sort of people are these Boko Haram that nobody has heard of their call and mission. Where are they based? Who are their leaders? What is their medium of communication? Who has ever seen a Boko Haramite? Who will in what way benefit by bombing places of worship and killing innocent lives? It is the government that is ridiculing Islam and portraying our religion and Muslims as terrorists.

Responding to the issue of fuel subsidy removal, the Sheikh described the situation as unfortunate to have a government that is insensitive to the feelings of the people. Nigerian government is not for the interest of the Nigerians, it is rather serving the interest of the West. Sheikh pointed how America as at the fore front to congratulate Nigeria on the removal of the fuel subsidy. When asked that the government is arguing that it will use the money accrued from the subsidy removal to carry out projects that will improve the living standard of the people. Sheikh Zakzaky asked what has the government has done in the past to improve the life of the people. He argued that the government can still source for funds to serve the people without inflicting unnecessary hardship to them. 

As for the ongoing mass protest against the fuel subsidy removal, Sheikh suggested that the matter should not be left in the hands of Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) and Trade union Congress (TUC). It should be a matter that concerns all.

When asked on the Islamic Awakening in the Arab countries, Sheikh observed with regret how the West has been trying to hijack the effort of the people. He cited the example of Egypt and Libya. Because the West has succeeded in these countries, they are now organizing their own revolution in Syria while keeping a blind eye over the atrocities being committed in Yemen and Bahrain. At the end Sheikh Zakzaky warned people to be vigilant over their actions and should not allow their efforts to be stolen only to have change of guards.

By A. D.        

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A Wonder Seen During Ashura gathering in Zaria

In one of the pictures taken a young girl which appeared blurred was seen. The picture shows the girl was crossing between sisters. The sisters could not see notice it, this could be one of wonders experienced in other places when such gatherings are being held.

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