In commemoration of Arbaeen, a three-night mourning ceremony for the Master of Martyrs of Karbala (pbuh) was held at the Islamic Centre of England. The event, which took place from 24th of August to the 26th of August , was conducted in three separate halls in three languages: English, Persian, and Arabic, and was well-received by the mourners of Imam Hussain (a.s.).
During the Persian sessions, Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Hosseini Qomi discussed the virtues of the uprising of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and emphasized that the mission of the Prophets (pbut) and the Imams (pbut), has always been centred around guidance, support, love, and compassion. He cited numerous examples of the generosity and kindness of Imam Ali (a.s.), even in battles such as Siffin, and his (pbuh) advice to his children before his (pbuh) martyrdom. He also highlighted the conduct of Imam Hussain (a.s.) at the beginning of the Battle of Karbala, where he (pbuh) offered the enemy a chance for guidance, underlining that the core mission of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut) was guidance, which is also reflected in the Quran.
Throughout these three nights, Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Hosseini Qomi further elaborated on this divine mission, pointing out that one of the most pressing issues today for families is the upbringing and cultural development of their children. He noted that many parents are concerned about the shortcomings or neglect of their children, rather than encouraging and showing affection to guide them in religious matters. They often resort to confrontational and sometimes harsh behaviour, which is completely unethical and counterproductive. He stressed that the Prophets (pbut) and the Imams (pbut), based their mission on guidance, which is only possible through love and compassion. Therefore, he urged devout families to show kindness to their children, even if they neglect their religious duties, such as prayer, to avoid worsening the current situation and creating a tense and unethical family environment.
In the Arabic session, Sheikh Dr. Rashad Ansari delivered a speech on how the uprising of Imam Hussain (a.s.) continued after Ashura, focusing on the role of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut), particularly Imam Sajjad (as) and Lady Zainab (pbuh).
Dr. Saeed Sobhani was the speaker at the English session. He discussed the philosophy behind the enduring legacy of Arbaeen, stating that the will of God, the role of the martyrs, and the survivors of Karbala are the three main factors ensuring the lasting significance of Ashura. He also explored and explained the advice of Imam Ali (a.s.) in Letter 27 of Nahj al-Balagha, emphasizing that humility, benefiting from the blessings of both this world and the hereafter for the pious, and the divine oversight of all human actions were three key pieces of advice given by Imam Ali (a.s.) to Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr. He concluded that by adhering to this advice, we can be true followers of the path of Imam Hussain (a.s.).
