The mourning ceremonies on the nights of Tasua and Ashura of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) at the Islamic Centre of England were held with exceptional grandeur this year, marked by heartfelt devotion to Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas and grief for the oppression of the Master of Martyrs of Karbala (peace be upon them both).
Held on the 4th and 5th of July 2025, these ceremonies brought together hundreds of black-clad youth and mourners in an atmosphere filled with spirituality and Hussaini fervour. The participants commemorated the tragedy of Karbala with chest-beating and chanting the slogan “Hayhat minna al-dhilla” (“Far from us is humiliation”), reaffirming their commitment to the ideals of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) on the Day of Ashura as a guiding principle in their lives.
On the night of Tasua, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Seyed Hashem Moosavi, the Imam of the Islamic Centre of England, spoke about the noble characteristics of the companions of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). He stated, “Servitude is the secret of creation,” and referred to the verse in the Holy Qur’an that declares: “I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.”
Highlighting this point, he emphasized that one of the most important qualities of the martyrs of Karbala—especially Hazrat Abul-Fadl al-Abbas—was being a “righteous servant” (‘Abd Salih), a status that prophets of God often sought in their supplications.
He listed features of a righteous servant, based on the Qur’an and narrations: rising up for justice, constant recitation of the Qur’an, prolonged prostration, faith in God and the Hereafter, enjoining good and forbidding evil, and hastening to do good deeds. He affirmed that Hazrat Abbas (peace be upon him), according to Islamic sources, was among the people of the Straight Path, a companion of the prophets, and one of the greatest examples of martyrs and the truthful—making him a worthy role model.
Hujjat al-Islam Moosavi outlined three main traits for following the example of Hazrat Abbas (peace be upon him): obedience to God, His Messenger, and the divinely appointed leaders (ulul amr); servitude and devotion; and unwavering loyalty. He recounted a narration in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) asked Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to tell Lady Fatimah (peace be upon her) what she had to offer for the intercession and salvation of the ummah. Imam Ali conveyed the message, and Lady Fatimah replied: “O Commander of the Faithful! The severed hands of my son Abbas are sufficient for us for intercession.”
On the night of Ashura, Hujjat al-Islam Moosavi further elaborated on the outstanding qualities of the companions of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). He emphasized that love for one’s Imam was a common and vital feature of both the companions of Imam Hussain and the companions of the awaited Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).
He asserted that love without understanding is impossible. True love must be accompanied by knowledge; one cannot claim love for someone they do not know. Recognizing the Imam is a necessary precondition for supporting him and making sacrifices in his cause. The hearts of the companions of Imam Mahdi will be full of love for him, and the loneliness and estrangement experienced by the Imams stem from the lack of such understanding.
Imam Moosavi described this ma’rifah (recognition) as understanding the Imam as God’s proof and divine guide; recognizing the Imam’s status and position; knowing his ethical and personal attributes; being aware of his responsibilities and duties; and grasping the path he lays out for human guidance.
As in previous nights, the Tasua and Ashura night gatherings were also held in Urdu, Arabic, and English, drawing a record number of Shia Muslims residing in London, reaching their peak participation during these sacred nights.
Eulogists and reciters of the Ahlulbayt paid tribute to the flag-bearer of Karbala, Hazrat Abbas, and mourned the oppression of Aba Abdillah al-Hussain (peace be upon him) through elegies and lamentations.
