In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Surah al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Today marks the first night of Muharram, the beginning of a new Islamic year. Yet, unlike other new years, we do not celebrate with joy or festivities. Our hearts are heavy. They grieve. Because we remember the unimaginable sacrifice made in Karbala.
For the next twelve nights, we hold Majlis al-Husayn – solemn gatherings in which we mourn the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s), his family, and companions.
What is a Majlis?
The word ‘majlis’ means a gathering or sitting. In the context of Muharram, it refers to commemorative assemblies where we recount the tragedy of Karbala, reflect on its messages, and offer our grief and remembrance through tears, prayers, and matam (mourning rituals).
Where Did Majlis al-Husayn Begin?
The very first Majlis was led by Bibi Zainab (sa), the sister of Imam Husayn (a.s), after she and the surviving members of Ahl al-Bayt were released from Yazid’s captivity. From that day forward, the Imams and the Shi’a have kept this tradition alive.
Why Do We Hold These Majalis?
- To thank Imam Husayn (a.s), his family, and companions for their sacrifice to protect the soul of Islam.
- To express our love and sorrow for the pain they endured.
- To comfort Bibi Fatimah (sa), who attends every Majlis—even if we cannot see her.
These Majalis are more than traditions. They are acts of faith, devotion, and loyalty. It is said that Bibi Fatimah collects every tear shed for her son. On the Day of Judgment, those tears will stand between us and Hellfire.
Reflect on This
If today we cry for Husayn (a.s), are we living a life that pleases him?
If we love Imam Husayn (a.s), do we honor that love with actions—by praying our wajib salat, by following the path of truth and justice?
What will we say when we face Bibi Fatimah on the Day of Judgment?
Imam Husayn on the Eve of Muharram
On the 1st of Muharram, Imam Husayn’s caravan reached the outskirts of Karbala. That night, he and Bibi Zainab (sa) stood together under the moonlight.
Tears flowed from Husayn’s eyes.
“Zainab,” he said, “Pray for me. Pray that I keep my promise to Allah, that I do not hesitate in giving my life to save this deen (religion).”
Zainab began to cry.
“My sister, don’t cry. You will have a greater duty after my death. Be strong, Zainab.”
The Dream of Imam Husayn (a.s)
Later, ‘Ali Akbar joined his father.
Husayn said,
“My son, I saw a dream—people moving toward death. One by one, they were martyred.”
“Father,” Ali Akbar asked, “Are we among them?”
“Yes, my son.”
“Then let us greet death with a smile. If we are on the right path, there is no fear.”
“I am proud of you, Akbar.”
The Everlasting Legacy
The Majalis of Imam Husayn (a.s) will continue till the Day of Judgment. Not because of us, but because Allah has promised to keep alive the name of Husayn, who gave his life to protect the truth of Islam.
Enemies may try to suppress our mourning. But Majlis al-Husayn and Matam al-Husayn will never be silenced.
They are alive, just as Husayn’s message is alive.
Matam al-Husayn! Ya Husayn! Ya Zainab!
Let your heart be soft, your tears sincere, and your resolve unshakable—because Husayn lives in every Majlis, every tear, every act of truth.
