Azadari; Mourning for Imam Hussain (as)
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| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Published | 2014 |
| Publisher | Createspace Independent Publishing Platform |
| Pages | 171 |
The book Azadari; Mourning for Imam Hussain (as) refutes all common Nasibi propaganda against the mourning rituals for the martyrs.
About the author
The present book has been compiled by Imam Hossein Institute.
About the book
This book originally published: October 20, 2014, has 171 pages and covers the issues and suspicions related to the mourning ceremony of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad.
Abstract of chapters
Chapter One: Introduction
This part compares the practice of the Syrians and Shi’as on the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain. From chapter 1 to 14 the author produces number of Sunni evidences to prove that different rituals related to mourning are not exclusive to the Shia.
Chapter Two: Commemorating Muharam
In this chapter the author talks about that part of human nature that even when hardships end, recollecting those bad times reignites that pain and suffering again. According to this natural instinct, people commemorate the important days of their ancestors or of religious leaders. Such days are observed internationally some may be commemorated internationally such as Remembrance days (to remember the victims of war). Mourning for Imam Hussein is one of these cases and permissible.
Chapter Three: The rewards for mourning Imam Hussain (as)
In this chapter, the author examines the reward of mourning for Imam Hussein and mentions the views of Imam Sajjad and Imam Baqir in this regard.
Chapter Four: Is Azadari against patience (sabr)?
This chapter examines this issue from different perspectives, whether or not mourning is the opposite of waiting, which is commanded in the Qur'an.
Chapter Five: Crying and wailing for Imam Hussain (as)
This chapter analyzes crying as a natural act and considers it permissible based on sources such as the Qur’an. The author gives examples of the basic cries of the elders in confirmation of the act of crying.
Chapter Six: Reciting elegies for Imam Hussain (as)
Many of today’s Nawasib deem the recital of sad poetry in praise of our slain Imam (as) to be an act of Bidah that has no place under the Shari’ah. But the author proves that the elegy dates back to the time of Adam and Eve who on one occasion recited couplets over Habeel to the point that their eyes filled with tears.
Tareekh Yaqoobi Volume 1 page 30
Chapter Seven: Convening Majlis (Gathering) to remember the dead
This chapter is about formation of a parliament in memory of the dead and the fact that Allah says in the Qur’an:
Therefore, remember Me, I will remember you, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.
Chapter Eight: Wearing black attire
He deals with the issue of whether Shias can wear black attire for the mourning of Imam Hussein during the month of Muharram or not, with different narrations.
Chapter Nine: Hitting one’s body in grief
Hitting one’s body in grief is one of the favorite areas of exploitation for the Nasibi and they enjoy making fun and insisting that these practices are against the Shari’ah. No where in the Holy Qur’an has Matam been classified as Haraam. On the contrary, the stories of Prophets include examples of their mourning.
In this chapter the author examines the types of beating oneself and at the end of this part he brings examples of self-beating in the Bible.
Chapter Ten: Putting dust in one’s hair
Mourning and putting dust in head in grief of Hussain is Sunnah of our Prophet. When Shi’a do this Mu’awiya’s followers throw all manner of abuse at them and accuse them of violating the Shari’ah. But they remain silent when Umar performs the same act. This chapter addresses this issue.
Chapter Eleven: Seeking Waseela from the Saints (Awliya)
This chapter shows some proofs about seeking Waseela from the Saints (Awliya) and a comprehensive analysis of the legitimacy of Tawassul.
Chapter Twelve: Creating and revering symbols (Sha’er Allah)
All Symbols, Monuments, Taaziyah, Zareeh, Zuljanah etc. that indicate love and attachment to Rasulullah and his Ahl’ul bayt are all Signs of Allah and they command respect. Including images within instructional or educational material helps to increase our comprehension and understanding of concrete concepts. It facilitates our learning processes. The author here examines this fact considering Taaziyah.
Chapter Thirteen: Street Processions (Juloos)
This chapter defends the mourning the family of the Prophet, who were slaughtered in state of thirst in Karbala.
Chapter Fourteen: The misuse of Shi’a texts to ‘prove’ that Azadari for Imam Hussain (as) is Haraam
The author here uses some traditions and replies to them, to show the misuse of Shi’a texts to ‘prove’ that Azadari for Imam Hussain is Haraam. He does this in response to a weak Hadeeth and twisting in effort for proving that mourning for Imam Husayn is Haraam.
Chapter Fifteen: The stance of Ahlulbayt (as) regarding the commemoration of Ashura
In this chapter the author citing Sunni evidences proves that the ancestors of our opponents used to mourn as we do today. As far as commemorating the tragedy of Karbala on an annual basis is concerned, he only concerns with the stance of the subsequent Imams of Ahlulbayt who did just that without the time constraints, whether annually or not. He cites a few examples in this regards.
Chapter Sixteen: Refuting common Nasibi objections to Azadari
In this chapter the author sets out a vast array of responses for the question ‘why do the Shi’a deem the martyrdom of Imam Husayn a tragedy, when it should be a happy occasion?
Chapter Seventeen: Azadari in other cultures
This chapter discusses the “events” which are directly influenced by the phenomenon called Death.
Chapter Eighteen: The tragedy of Karbala
This chapter is about the Universal Right accorded to all people of the world. Shi’as too, have absolute freedom to perform Azadari, perform Matam, and bring out Flags, symbols etc. if all this helps them in perpetuating the memory of the Holy Prophet of Islam and his Holy Progeny. And no one has any right whatsoever to interfere in their affairs, to castigate them, to impose any kind of restrictions upon them merely because they happen to be different from the main – stream style of living, or do not practice the state -sponsored religion, or for any other reason.
Chapter Nineteen: Conclusion
This is how the book ends:
Whosoever weeps and cries for Husayn, we shall take them by their hand and lead them into the Garden of Paradise.
Bihar al Anwaar, Volume 10 page 167
Thus faith in his Prophethood dictates, that Azadari on the calamities and hardships of his Ahl – e – Bait should be performed with all sincerity of faith and religious zeal.