Category: Updates

We Condemn the Removal of the Flag from the Holy Shrine of Sayeda Zainab (SA

Syeda Zainab s.a

We Condemn the Removal of the Flag from the Holy Shrine of Sayeda Zainab (SA)

Stop Killing Innocent Kids: The Heartbreaking Story of Gaza’s Children The land of Gaza, rich in history and faith, has become a place where childhood is stolen, dreams are shattered, and innocent lives are lost. For decades, the people of Gaza have lived under siege and suffering, but no one has paid a heavier price than the children of Palestine. A Brief History of Gaza’s People Gaza has always been home to a proud and dignified people. Its history stretches back thousands of years, but in modern times, the region has become a symbol of resistance—and tragedy. Since the illegal occupation of Palestine in 1948, millions of Palestinians have been forced from their homes, pushed into refugee camps, and left to survive under occupation and violence. The people of Gaza, especially since the 2007 blockade by Occupied Israel, live under extreme restrictions on basic human needs—food, medicine, electricity, and freedom. But while adults may understand suffering, it is the children who suffer without ever knowing why. Children of Gaza: The Innocent Victims of Occupation and War Imagine being five years old and never knowing a single day of peace. Imagine your school being bombed, your home turned to rubble, your family torn apart. This is the daily reality for children in Gaza. Over half of Gaza’s population are children, and they are the most vulnerable. They are not fighters. They are not soldiers. They are just kids—innocent, smiling, hopeful kids—who are being killed in airstrikes, shot while playing in the streets, or buried under the debris of their homes. Every time a missile is launched, it risks ending the life of a child. Every time the world stays silent, more children are lost. Their only crime? Being born Palestinian. Psychological trauma, physical injuries, the loss of parents and siblings—these are now common experiences for Gaza’s children. Instead of toys, they hold on to fear. Instead of dreams, they carry nightmares. The Ongoing Genocide Make no mistake: this is not a war between equal sides. This is a military occupation, and what is happening in Gaza is a genocide. Hospitals are bombed. Schools are destroyed. Humanitarian aid is blocked. International law is ignored. The Israeli occupation forces continue to violate every basic principle of human rights—and the children pay the price. A Global Call: End the Killing Now We must speak out. We must act. The killing of innocent children is not a political issue—it is a human issue. 🛑 Stop the bombing of Gaza 🛑 Stop the killing of innocent Palestinian children 🛑 End the illegal occupation 🛑 Hold the oppressors accountable What You Can Do Raise your voice on social media using #FreePalestine #GazaUnderAttack #StopKillingChildren Donate to reliable charities supporting children and families in Gaza Educate others about the history and current reality of Palestine Boycott companies and organizations supporting the occupation Pray and advocate for a free and just Palestine Final Message: Let the Children Live No child should live in fear. No child should grow up surrounded by war. No child should die because of the silence of the world. We call on every human with a heart: Let the children of Gaza live. Let Palestine be free. 🕊️ End the occupation. End the genocide. Let humanity win.

Updates

Children of Gaza: The Innocent Victims of Occupation and War

A biography of pain, patience, and purity – from Karbala to Zindan-e-Shaam Name: Ruqayyah bint Husayn (also known as Bibi Sakina, Sukaina) Arabic: سكينة – Meaning: Calmness, Peace of Mind Father: Imam Husayn ibn Ali (A.S) Mother: Bibi Rubab (daughter of the chief of the Kinda, Imra al-Qays tribe) Date of Birth: 20th Rajab, 56 AH (approx. 676 CE) Date & Place of Death: 13th Safar, 61 AH (approx. October 680 CE) – Zindan-e-Shaam (Damascus, Syria) The Life of Bibi Sakina (S.A) Bibi Sakina (S.A) was the youngest and most beloved daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S). She was a lively and radiant child, full of innocence and wisdom far beyond her years. Her sweet, gentle nature won hearts, while her deep devotion to Islam made her a shining star among the family of the Prophet (PBUH). From a young age, Bibi Sakina was known for her love of the Qur’an, punctuality in prayers, and her modesty in observing hijab. Imam Husayn (A.S) often said: “A house without Sakina would not be worth living in.” She brought joy to all, from the children in the Prophet’s household to the elders who admired her pure soul. Her Bond with Hazrat Abbas (A.S) Bibi Sakina had a special connection with her uncle, Hazrat Abbas (A.S). He loved her more than his own children. Her smallest request would become his mission. Throughout the journey from Madinah to Karbala, Hazrat Abbas would ensure she had everything she needed. Sakina would often visit Hazrat Abbas’s home in Madinah just to be with him, and he would ride up to her mehmil on the journey to comfort her, shielding her from any discomfort. In Karbala – From Joy to Tragedy During the siege in Karbala, especially from 7th Muharram onward when water was cut off, Bibi Sakina displayed immense strength. She would share the few drops she had with other children and always offered her portion to others first. On Ashura, she gave her water pouch (mashk) to her uncle Abbas to bring water for the children. When Imam Husayn returned with Abbas’s blood-soaked standard instead, she realised her uncle had been martyred. From that moment, Sakina never again asked for water. That day, she saw her father, brothers, uncles, and companions one by one martyred — including her six-month-old brother Ali Asghar (A.S). But despite losing everyone, she remained patient, comforting the grieving women and never asking for relief for herself. In the Ruins of Shaam – Zindan-e-Shaam After the massacre of Karbala, Bibi Sakina was taken as a prisoner to the court of Yazid in Damascus. The beloved daughter of the Prophet’s household was dragged through the streets, shackled, and imprisoned in Zindan-e-Shaam — a dark, cold, underground prison with no roof and bare stone floors. There, Bibi Sakina endured immense torment. Her earrings were ripped from her ears. Her dress caught fire during the burning of tents. Yet, she remained a pillar of patience. Often, she would look up at the birds flying freely and ask: “Will Sakina ever return home like those birds?” She never smiled again after Ashura. She would cry silently, hiding her tears from her mother so as not to increase her sorrow. The Final Moments of Bibi Sakina (S.A) One night in the Zindan of Shaam, Sakina woke up crying, searching for her father. Her cries echoed in the prison: “O my dear aunt, where is my father? Just a while ago, I saw him in my dream. He kissed me and said: ‘My dear Sakina, you will soon be with me.’ Where is he now?” The Holy Ladies tried to calm her, but nothing could soothe the aching heart of the little orphan. Yazid (L.A.), disturbed by the cries, sent a servant to inquire. When he learned the cause, he mockingly ordered that the severed head of Imam Husayn (A.S) be sent to her in the prison — an act of unthinkable cruelty. When the head of her father was brought to her, she clung to it tightly, sobbing: “Who cut off my father's head? Who martyred my father? Why are we captives?” She continued weeping until silence overtook the prison. At first, the women thought she had fallen asleep, but this was the sleep of eternity. Bibi Zainab (S.A) called out to Imam Zainul Abideen (A.S). The Imam placed his hand on her cold forehead and said in grief: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji'oon.” Her Burial in the Dungeon of Shaam In the dark cell of that wretched prison, Imam Zainul Abideen (A.S) dug a grave for his beloved sister. Bibi Zainab (S.A) held the small, lifeless body of Sakina as she was gently laid to rest in the prison floor. Bibi Rubab (S.A) cried out, pressing her face against the grave: “Speak to me, Sakina! Only a word, my child! Speak to me!” The cries of “Ya Sakina! Ya Mazloomah!” echoed through the prison. The stones of Shaam shook with the pain of Ahlul Bayt. Legacy of Bibi Sakina (S.A) Though she was only four to five years old, Bibi Sakina's sacrifice remains one of the most moving chapters in the history of Karbala. Her patience, her purity, and her pain continue to awaken hearts around the world. Her resting place in Shaam (Damascus) is visited by lovers of Ahlul Bayt from all corners of the globe. She lives on as a symbol of innocence martyred, of a child who bore the heaviest grief — yet never lost faith.

Bibi Sakina s.a

Bibi Sakina (S.A): The Youngest Daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S)

Recite Ziyarah Taziyah in the final hours of Ashura Day to offer heartfelt condolences to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (A.S), Lady Fatimah (S.A), and the Imams from the progeny of Imam Husayn (A.S). Honour the pain of Karbala with this deeply spiritual Ziyarah.

Events

Ziyarah Taziyah – Condolence Salutation on Ashura | Last Hours Recitation for Ahlulbayt (A.S)

Introduction Every year on 8th Shawwal, millions of Muslims around the world commemorate Youm-e-Inhedam Jannatul Baqi – the Day of Demolition of Jannat al-Baqi, a day marked by sorrow, reflection, and protest. It was on April 21, 1925 (8 Shawwal 1345 AH) that the sacred cemetery of Jannatul Baqi in Madina was razed to the ground by order of King Ibn Saud, as part of a larger campaign by the Wahhabi movement to remove Islamic tombs and shrines across the holy lands of Hijaz (present-day Saudi Arabia). This brutal act did not only affect the hearts of Shia Muslims but wounded the sentiments of the entire Ummah, regardless of sect, as the cemetery was home to some of the most revered figures in Islamic history. What is Jannat al-Baqi? Jannat al-Baqi, also known as Al-Baqi Al-Gharqad, is an ancient and highly significant Islamic cemetery located east of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina, Saudi Arabia. Literally meaning “The Garden of Tree Roots,” Al-Baqi became known as “Jannatul Baqi” (The Garden of Paradise) due to its sanctity. It is the final resting place of many close relatives and companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including: Imam Hasan ibn Ali (a) – 2nd Imam Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn (a) – 4th Imam Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a) – 5th Imam Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a) – 6th Imam Also buried in Al-Baqi are: Wives of the Prophet (s), His beloved son Ibrahim, His aunts Safiya and Aatika, The Prophet’s mother-in-law Fatima bint Asad, Countless Sahaba (companions) and Tabi’un. Historical Significance of Jannatul Baqi The first person to be buried in Al-Baqi was Uthman Ibn Maz’oon, a dear companion of the Prophet (s), who passed away in the 3rd year after Hijrah. Over time, Al-Baqi expanded and became a sanctified space of remembrance. The Prophet himself used to frequently visit the cemetery and pray for its dwellers, saying: “Peace be upon you, O abode of the faithful! God willing, we shall soon join you.” Al-Baqi became a site of pilgrimage for generations of Muslims, a place of connection with early Islamic history, the Ahlul Bayt (a), and the great scholars of Islam. The Destruction of Al-Baqi in 1925 🔥 8 Shawwal 1345 AH / April 21, 1925 – A Day of Tragedy Under the rule of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud and with ideological backing from the Wahhabi movement, Jannat al-Baqi was bulldozed, destroying the tombs, domes, and shrines of revered Islamic personalities. This was not an isolated incident. The same year, Jannat al-Mualla in Makkah, where the Prophet’s mother Amina bint Wahab, his first wife Sayyida Khadija (a), and grandfather Abdul Muttalib are buried, was also destroyed. What followed was a systemic erasure of Islamic heritage, including: Bayt Al-Ahzan, the house of mourning of Fatima al-Zahra (a). The house where the Prophet (s) was born. Numerous mosques and relics associated with the Prophet (s), the Imams, the Sahaba, and righteous scholars. Why Was Al-Baqi Destroyed? The Wahhabi ideology, backed by the Saudi regime, considered the building of shrines and the visitation of graves as bid'ah (innovation) and shirk (polytheism). They labeled many Islamic practices as un-Islamic and demolished countless historical and spiritual sites in an attempt to "purify" the religion. However, many scholars, both Sunni and Shia, have argued that this destruction was not based on Islamic principles but rather a political and ideological move to disconnect Muslims from their roots. Some even see it as part of a Zionist conspiracy, aimed at obliterating Islamic identity under the banner of Tawheed. First vs. Second Destruction of Al-Baqi First Attack (Early 1800s): During the initial rise of the Wahhabis, many shrines were destroyed and desecrated. However, Ottoman intervention helped restore many sites. Second Attack (1925): With no Ottoman power to defend the holy sites, the Wahhabi forces carried out their plans without resistance, leading to the complete leveling of Al-Baqi. Protests Around the World Following the destruction of Jannatul Baqi, there was global outrage: 🇮🇳 India (1926): Mass protests and gatherings were organized. Scholars and Muslims denounced the act and released statements condemning: The desecration of holy graves. The suppression of non-Wahhabi Muslims. The banning of traditional Islamic practices during Hajj. 🌍 Worldwide Response: Countries such as Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia also issued condemnations. Books and pamphlets were written to expose the truth and preserve Islamic memory. Al-Baqi Today: A Ground of Dust, Yet Full of Light Today, Al-Baqi stands as a flat, unmarked field, surrounded by iron fencing. No signs or markers honor the legacy of those buried there. Millions who visit Madina are unable to offer proper respects to the Imams, companions, and family of the Prophet (s). Despite the physical destruction, Al-Baqi lives on in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. The Call for Restoration Muslims across the globe continue to demand: The rebuilding of Al-Baqi and other destroyed shrines. Respect for religious diversity within Islam. The recognition of the Ahlul Bayt (a) and Islamic heritage as sacred to the entire Ummah. Youm-e-Inhedam Jannatul Baqi is a global Islamic day of protest and remembrance. From Karachi to Karbala, Tehran to Toronto, Muslims march peacefully, raise black flags, and demand justice for their heritage. Conclusion: Why It Matters This is not a Shia issue alone. The destruction of Al-Baqi is a Muslim issue, a historical wound, and a reminder of the fragility of our religious heritage. Let us not forget. Let us raise awareness. Let us strive for the rebuilding of Al-Baqi, and more importantly, for the rebuilding of unity among Muslims.

Updates

Youm-e-Inhedam Jannatul Baqi – The Destruction of Al-Baqi: A Day of Global Mourning

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Moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams: What You Need to Know Before Skype Retires in May 2025

Niaz e Imam Hussain a.s

Jalous - Processions

Ashura in United Kingdom – Major Processions (Juloos) Across the UK

Ashura 2025 – Major Processions (Juloos) Across Australia

Jalous - Processions

Ashura in Australia – Major Processions (Juloos) Across Australia

Discover Ashura 2025 juloos across major U.S. cities. Full addresses, routes, timings, and tips to join the 10 Muharram processions with respect.

Jalous - Processions

Ashura in United States – Major Processions (Juloos) Across the U.S.

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