AL-SAFINA

4rth of Muharram 1430 AH [lunar] Many of us speak of love for Imam al-Husayn ('a), but have we ever realized the true meaning of love? Love is and offshoot of the knowledge of the Beloved. Only one who knows the object of love can love the same. Secondly, true love is when one experiences a unity with the Beloved. In simple words: (1) The reality of Imam al-Husayn ('a) is his belief and attributes. He is his monotheism. He is his love and affection for others. He is his intense concern for the salvation of every human being. He is his openhandedness. He is what his thoughts and deeds are. (2) If that is the case, we should ask ourselves: do we likewise love what Imam al-Husayn ('a) exemplifies? If yes, then we truly love him, otherwise our expression of love needs to be intensified and directed.

3rd Muharram 1430 AH [lunar] Prior to his uprising, Imam al-Husayn ('a) clearly stated the fundamental aim behind his uprising: Innama kharajtu litalab al-islaah fi ummati jaddi ("I only rose [against Yazid] to confer equilibrium to the nation of my grandfather"). And one who would like to confer equilibrium to a situation must enjoy the same himself. Two of the most fundamental prerequisites of a muslih (reformer)according to the Holy Qur'an are: (1) Adhering to the Book of Allah, and (2) Establishing prayer. The Holy Qur'an in chapter 7, verse 170 says: "As for those who hold fast to the Book and maintain the prayer indeed we do not waste the reward of those who bring about reform." Hence these two characteristics are essential. It is interesting to note that when Imam al-Husayn ('a) seeks permission on the 9th of Muharram for the night of 'Ashura, he is reported to have saidto his brother 'Abbas ('a): "If you can divert them fro...

2nd Muharram 1430 AH [lunar] One of the very significant dimensions of the Karbala Revolution is its universal aspect. Although it transpired during a certain time, in a particular place, and with specific people, it has a timeless message. In some of the traditions we are informed that even the past prophetsof Allah remembered Imam al-Husayn ('a) and cursed those who would martyr him. The Husayni spirit can therefore be an example for every true-seeking human being. The well-known dictum " kull yawmin 'Ashura wa kullu ardhin Karbala " (Every day is 'Ashura, and every land is Karbala) alludes to this very dimension of this great movement.

1st Muharram 1430 AH [lunar] In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful. In light of the well-known narration of thaqalayn (two weighty things) which has been narrated successively both by the Shi’a as well as the Sunni narrators, the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) are referred to as being the ‘idl al-Qur’an (peers of the Qur’an). Hence, Imam al-Husayn (‘a), who is among the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) likewise is a peer of the Qur’an. He is the vocal and practical book of Allah. Every thought, move, and aspiration from him is Qur’anic and serves as the practical commentary of the Holy Qur’an. The uprising of Imam al-Husayn (‘a) and his entire movement, therefore, is nothing but a practical translation of the Qur’an