The commemoration ceremony of the martyrdom of the tenth shining star of Imamate and Wilayah, Imam Hadi (A.S.), was held with the presence of a number of Shia followers of Amir al-Mu’minin residing in London at the Islamic Centre of England.
This event, which took place on 3rd January 2025, featured a speech by Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Sayyed Hashem Moosavi, the Imam of the Islamic Centre of England, delivered in both English and Farsi. He discussed the pivotal role of Imam Hadi (A.S.) in preparing the people to comprehend and adapt to the era of occultation.
The Imam of the Islamic Centre elaborated on the historical context and challenges of Imam Hadi’s (A.S.) Imamate, describing it as a sensitive and complex period in Islamic history. He stated that during a time when Shias were under severe political and religious pressures, the Abbasid caliphs openly insulted the sacred position of Imam Ali (A.S.), desecrated the shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.), and severely oppressed Imam Hadi (A.S.), the Imam played a significant role with wisdom and foresight in preparing the Shias for understanding and accepting the prolonged period without the physical presence of an Imam.
Hujjat al-Islam Moosavi highlighted Imam Hadi’s (A.S.) efforts in strengthening the foundations of faith, expanding the network of deputies, and emphasizing unity and solidarity among Shias as key measures taken to prepare the community for the era of occultation. He added that the outcomes of these efforts included preserving the survival and cohesion of the Shia community, fortifying their faith, and normalizing the concept of connecting with the hidden Imam.
At the end of the ceremony, eulogists of Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) recited elegies and performed lamentations in both Arabic and Farsi.
