Issue No: 104
23rd December 2011
27th Muharram 1433 A.H
Salamun alaykum,
The Golden dome of Samarra is destroyed:
It is now six years since the golden dome of the mausoleum in Samarra was destroyed. The shrine is the final resting place of the 10th Imam Ali An Naqi and 11th Imam Hasan Al Askary.
On 23rd Muharram 1427 A.H. ( 22nd February, 2006) an explosion at the shrine of Samarra took place which totally destroyed its golden dome. Another bombing in June 2007 destroyed two remaining minarets of the Shrine.
Renovation works are ongoing. The golden dome and the minarets have been restored.
Azadari targetted:
The devastation which was carried out by Extremists caused widespread anger among the muslims including the Sunnis. Such forms of terror attacks are not limited to shrines, but even the lives of innocent men, women and children who participate in the Azadari (mourning ceremonies) of Aba Abdillahi Husayn, his close companions and family members are targeted.
This year 1433 A.H. such tragic incidents have been reported from areas such as Iraq, Afghanistan and others places.
Devotion towards the Imam:
While such shocking acts of terror still occur the mourners continue recalling the tragic event of Ashura with increased fervor. Even the fear created does not deter the believers to observe the Azadari. Moments later, after the tragic occurence the Azadari ceremonies resume with the same pace. Thus, giving one an impression that nothing had occurred at the site.
This is an indicator of the strong devotion and attachment to Aba Abdillah Imam Husayn such that one is willing to sacrifice his life in order to keep alive the message of Ashura.
Such total devotion to the Imam by the believers does not die as reported by the holy prophet in a hadith, "Indeed the martyrdom of Husayn creates an emotional feeling in the hearts of believers that never cools down /extinguished."
Like in the previous times, when the Institution of Azadari faced numerous challenges from various quarters including the ruling establishments and extremist muslim sects, this confrontation to Azadari is still ongoing. The onus is upon us who have been gifted with this practice from our forefathers to faithfully hand it to our next generation.
In passing on this trust of Azadari, how is one tackling these threats so as to ensure that the message of Aba Abdillah Husayn is always kept alive?
May Allah make great our reward and your reward, for our grief on Husayn a.s. May He place us and you from those who help his cause with His representative, the guided Imam from the family of Muhammad, peace be on them.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat