Asalamu alayka ya Aba’Abdullah Al Hussain!
Please remember to wear black whether you are outside or inside of your house. Black the colour of mourning, the colour of sadness, the statement for followers of the Ahlul Bayt (as) and their family Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin wa aali Muhammad (O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad) during this tragic time. Do not wear bright colours and refrain from wearing make-up. Put extra effort into your hijab (females and males) and remember Imam Hussain (as). By wearing black all the time it is a statement. You are in sadness; you are mourning for Imam Hussain (as) and the martyrs of Karbala (as). It is a constant reminder for the Tragedy of Ashura, and it will remind you to refrain from sin.
Make an effort to cover your house in black (or put away colourful items). Listen to the Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (as), Quran, Latmiyat and Dua. Do not watch TV for entertainment purposes, refrain from playing video games, remove yourself from materialistic things, and encourage others to do the same. Our grief is not limited to just being in Karbala, or being in a Majalis. Every Land is Karbala and we should be committed to ourselves in showing solidarity to the Imam of Our Time (atfs) (God The Exalted hasten his Relief The Honorable) in our grief and in offering our condolences.
Please also put many efforts into attending Majalis. Surely we are going to these where we are, because we have not been able to visit Karbala. Most lectures are scheduled during the first 10 days of Muharram and many people avoid going with excuses that relate to this life. “I’m too tired”, “The children have school tomorrow”, “I’ll just go tomorrow” as though every day is guaranteed. Lady Fatima Zahra (as) attends EVERY Majalis. She remembers and records the name of EVERY person who attends to mourn the martyrdom of her Sons, Family and Companions. The harder it is for someone to attend Majalis, the more blessings that person receives. This is especially important for children. Many people avoid taking their younger children and expect them to be able to start growing their faith when they are much older. The younger a child grows up with the traditions of the Ahlul Bayt (as) the stronger their love and faith will be. They will WITNESS firsthand the sadness the followers are experiencing, and they will be a part of it. Children are like sponges and they will learn in every Majalis. Cry for Imam Hussain (as), Hazrat Abbas (as), Sayeda Zainab (as) and those martyred. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Every eye shall be weeping on the Day of Judgment except the eye which has shed tears over the tragedy of Hussain”. Imam Hussain (as) said “One day the tears of my Shia’a will wipe away the pain of these arrows”.
Stay until the end of the Majalis and listen to the Latmiyyat/Eulogy/Poetry recitation. Recite with the reader and do not be shy to shout Ya Hussain! Ya Abbas! Ya Zainab! Ya Haidar! As this too is an offering of condolences to Lady Fatima Zahra (as) for the martyrdom of her son and Family.
Also make efforts to open your hearts to others, use manners when associating with others, be kind to others, be respectful and be welcoming. You cannot hurt or upset a follower of Imam Hussain (as). Share what you have, and give without expecting to receive in return. Be free in your generosity and be pure in your intentions.
Remember Imam Hussain (as) every time you drink water, and his thirst and the thirst of his Family and Companions (as).
Labbaik Ya Hussain (as)!
