By: Tuaha Younas
Bullay Shah Academy, Masjid Auliyah Allah and Fiji Islamic Center brought the community together to commemorate the lives and sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and Ahl-e-Bayat at Karbala in a spiritual gathering on Saturday, July 22, 2023. The event was attended by a large number of men, women and children, representing a healthy cross-section of the community. The proceedings began with a solemn recitation of the Holy Quran and was marked by nasheed recitations by Br. Salis, Br. Muzammil and Br. Ijaz Hussain who presented tributes to the august household of Ahl-e-Bayat, honouring their sacrifice for Islam. Imran Khan, acting as MC, graciously welcomed the attendants along with Aseem Akhtar, President of Fiji Islamic Centre.
Pir Afzal Ahmed Naqshbandi stirred the love of Ahl-e-Bayt in a moving address. He started by introducing Ahl-e-Bayt to those present. He reminded everyone that the love for the Household of Holy Prophet PBUH, just like the love for Him is the cornerstone of Islam. One cannot purify oneself and rise through the spiritual ranks without the two. Indeed, the love for the Household of the Holy Prophet PBUH is an essential part of the our faith. He said that the easiest way to become a pious Muslim and gain purity of thought and action is through nurturing the love of Ahl-e-Bayat in one’s heart and emulating their example. He ended his address by paying tribute to their great sacrifice for the ummah.
Imam Syed Badiuddin Soharwardy spoke about the importance of engaging the youth and children and introducing Imam Hussain A.S. and his noble message to them in terms that they can relate with. He pointed that our youth neither hold the same world view as our elder generation nor do they follow the same lingua franca. It is important, therefore, to connect with them in a way the understand if we want them to follow the message of Imam Hussain A.S.
Dr. Syed Ismail Qadri stressed to the participants that love and respect of Ahl-e-Bayt is a basic requirement of Islam. He urged the attendants to rise above sectarianism and focus on the unifying message of Imam Hussain A.S. He narrated events from the life of Holy Prophet PBUH to highlight his love for his Ahl-e-Bayt, urging everyone to emulate His noble sunnah.
In the end, Bob Ibrahim thanked the participants for attending the event. He said that the events of Karbala are the greatest tragedy in the history of mankind and leave great implications and lessons for us all.
Commemorating and remembering these events help us remember as well as pass on these lessons to our youth.
