Making pilgrimage to Karbala, where Imam Hussain (AS) and his loyal companions were bravely martyred, takes one of the highest places in a Shia’s wish list. All around the year, Karbala hosts the pilgrims who want to visit the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (AS). But the pilgrimage in Arbaeen is different.
“Arbaeen” takes place forty days later than “Ashura”. “Arbaeen pilgrimage” is actually one of the largest annual public gathering in the whole world. Millions of Shias and Sunnis or even many Christians, Yazidis and other faiths with various nationalities participate in this grand religious ceremony and gather from all around the world in the city of Karbala. A remarkable number of them takes this trip on foot and walks from Najaf to Karbala (approximately 80 kilometers).
Many Muslims try so hard to make it to Karbala on Arbaeen and many Iraqis do their best to serve the pilgrims. During these days, copious amount of food, water, as well as small medical facilities which is run by GPs and specialists, and tents for resting are available along the route and in the cities where the pilgrims stay and visit. These services are all provided free by the native people.
Considering this large number of pilgrims and the great amount of money and time that is spent for this pilgrimage, this question may pop into many minds: What is it for?
Many goals and reasons can be mentioned for why we _Shias_ take this trip and go to the Karbala. In this text, we mention one of these reasons which is of great importance.
Among the many goals of the “Arbaeen walk” ceremony, introducing Imam Hussain (AS) to the whole world seems to be the most significant one. The public gathering of Arbaeen gives us a precious opportunity to make people get to know Imam Hussain’s personality (AS) and understand his message. This unprecedented and unique event that happens only once a year can be so attractive for people around the world who yearn for finding the truth.
Arbaeen ceremony is a unique event in which people and society go through a huge change, which isn’t seen in any other part of the world. Millions of people gathering in three or four Iraqi cities in about twelve days just for visiting the holy shrines can be a disaster to any other similar countries, but Iraqi people host this ceremony without any difficulties. In these days unlike other times, money loses its meaning. For maintaining peace and discipline, people themselves are enough and there’s not much need for police forces. People won’t be hungry, homeless or harmed by any person. In these days, people are even braver compared to other days, because they dare to face many problems and dangers that are otherwise intolerable. Even when the ISIS was in Iraq threatening the pilgrims, millions of people participated in this ceremony (1).
In this regard Imam Sadiq (AS) says:
O God! Our enemies frowned on their journey and threatened them, but it didn’t stop our followers from getting up and departing towards us in spite of the enemy’s opinion (2).
When people around the world observe this great exhibition, they understand the truth about Islam and Shi’ism which the terrorists like ISIS tried to taint.
Furthermore, Arbaeen walk offers the whole humanity a glimpse at Islam’s suggested life style and civilized society: A society with no war, no poverty, hunger, and no discrimination.
As said before, introducing Imam Hussain (AS) is the most significant objective of this grand ceremony. The importance of this purpose lies in the fact that introducing Imam Hussain (AS) and his message is actually introducing our only awaited Imam, Imam Mahdi (As) to the whole humanity. By telling people who is Imam Hussain (AS), we are actually making people familiar with the Shia Imams and the massage of this faith. Shias believe their Imams are all like each other and they seek one goal, which is spreading the peaceful message of Islam to the whole world. This is actually the essential message of Islam, too. The Holy Quran says:
It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the true religion, that He may make it prevail over all religions, and Allah suffices as witness (48:28)
Certainly We sent Our messengers with manifest proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that mankind may maintain justice (57:25)
Imam Mahdi (AS) is the last Imam who is destined to carry out this mission and we, as his followers, are obliged to raise awareness about His mission and himself. When people understand the message of Imam Hussain (AS) they actually understand Imam Mahdi’s message (AS) since there is no difference between them. The Holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) says:
Allah almighty created me and my Household [the twelve Imams] from one same light (3)Imam Sadiq (AS) also says:
There is always a justful successor among us who defend the religion against the falsification of the extremists, plagiarism of the disbelievers and the wrong understanding of the fools. (4)
According to the prophecies about the last Imam (AS) when he arrives and introduces himself to the people, all the world hears his voice in their language at the same time. Then, Imam Mahdi (AS) introduces himself as the descendant of Imam Hussain (AS):
O people of the world! Indeed my grand ancestor Hussain (AS) was killed while he was thirsty, O people of the world! Indeed he was left on the earth with no cloth, O people of the world! Indeed he was beaten so hard out of animosity (5)
Clearly, when people hear this voice, must know who is Hussain (AS); so, it’s our duty to make them familiar with him.
Resources
- this ceremony
- Thavab al-A’mal, Sheikh Saduq, Pg.94
- Avalim al-Olum, al-Bahrani, Vol.15, Pg.155
- Kafi, Koleini, Vol.1, Pg.32
- Ilzam an-Nasib, Al-Yazdi al-Haeri, Vol.2, Pg.233
The last days of the year are perhaps the most hectic times of our lives. Everyone is busy wrapping up what has remained unfinished, an incomplete project, an undecided relationship or an unsaid word.
Among all these noises, one might stop for a moment and look back at the 365 days that have passed so quickly, and how they have gone by. “What have I accomplished? What are the mistakes that I am repeatedly making? Have I reached my goals? Have I become a better (or worse) person? Have I even changed? How much have I fulfilled my responsibilities as a Muslim?” these are the questions that we always ask ourselves at this time of the year.
And when the last seconds of the year come, we start thinking of the days that are before us; of our new resolutions, plans, and decisions. 2019 or 20 are not different if our days are not going to be more productive and better than before.
Islam recommends us to evaluate ourselves regularly and look back at our actions [i]. However, this does not mean that you should just remember your past mistakes, regret making them and do nothing. Every new day is a chance for us to put aside one bad habit and go toward the perfect version of ourselves, not being satisfied with our past achievements and always setting new goals.
According to Imam Ali (AS), you are a loser if your two days (or two years, two weeks, etc.), are spent the same, meaning that you have not improved or have not added anything to your life.
This could be reading a book, watching a worthwhile movie, planting a tree, caring more about your parents, etc. The worse thing is when you are degrading and your present day is no better than yesterday. This kind of person is cursed, Imam Ali (AS) believes.
You win the cup if you live a better and more productive day than yesterday! Of course a day, or two days, etc. are only metaphors, and they can mean any span of time. What is important is how you pass these moments, days or years.
The new year is also a chance to renew our goals and purposes. I know that it might sound like a cliche, yet it is impossible to deny the importance of motivation or a drive to push you and make you ambitious.
You might have many purposes, some long-term and some short-term, some financial or spiritual. And do not just think about your goals, but take action toward achieving them [ii].
Islam guides us toward becoming a better person and thus sets specific goals for Muslims to be aware of in their lives. A Muslim’s ultimate purpose which will spread in all aspects of his/her life and every decision and every move is to get as near as possible to that eternal source of blessing and peace, Allah, and be worthy of His worship [3].
Being ambitious is not enough. It is important to feel responsible as well. Islam differentiates three people as the ones to whom we hold some responsibilities, which have to be fulfilled simultaneously; including Allah, ourselves and others. Our first and foremost responsibility is toward Allah, our One, and Only Creator.
Perhaps a few minutes before the New Year is the best time to think of His blessings to us and decide to appreciate them more through worshiping Him sincerely and devote some time of our life to praying. Secondly, we are responsible for ourselves; taking care of our mind and spirit, having a plan for our life and continually following it, observing a healthy lifestyle, etc.
And finally, we have some responsibilities toward others, other human beings, other creatures, our surroundings, etc. To be a better person, we should be careful in our interactions with other people, be conscious of how we treat the environment and animals and strive to build a better world.
You can start a new year with a plan for your next 365 days. As Muslims, our life plans should always reflect our Islamic values. Having that in mind, think of what you want to achieve; how you can better fulfill your responsibilities toward Allah, yourself and others as enumerated in Islam (specify the actions that you should commit and the things you have to avoid doing to guarantee your commitment to those responsibilities), or where you want to be this time next year. Have a look at the big picture and set little goals which will lead you to that ultimate purpose and help you become a better Muslim.
Then, keep track of your plan during the year, observe your progress and see how much of your plan you have fulfilled and to what extent you have been devoted to your Islamic responsibilities. As Imam Ali (AS) beautifully puts, you should strive to build your life as if you have eternity before you, and at the same time be aware of the day (i.e., The Day of Judgment) that you will be questioned about your actions and manners in this world [4].
The last days of the year are like the exam days, but this time you would examine yourself. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) puts, when it comes to evaluation, you should be harder on yourself than when you are evaluating other people’s deeds [5]. You would evaluate whatever you have done up to that time and how much of that big picture that you had in your mind has completed.
Finally, if we are willing to make the most of our lives, we have no other choice than be aware of our every step and every action that we take. And, every new year marks our promise to ourselves and Allah to be the best we can and continue going toward this goal.
Notes:
[i] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Evaluate yourself before you would be evaluated [by Allah on the Judgment Day]” [1].
[ii] Imam Ali (AS) said: “Your efforts make you worthy” [2].
References:
- Al-Hurr al-Aamili, Wasā'il al-Shīʿa, vol.16, p.99.
- Nahj al-Balaghah, Wisdom no. 47.
- Quran (36:61)
- Shaikh al-Hur al-Aamili, Wasā'il al-Shīʿa, vol.2, p.535.
- Ibid, vol.16, p.98.
Ramadan is the time when Muslims are required to fast. But we might wonder: Is our fasting accepted? Do we really observe the conditions that are essential for fasting? After all, what are these conditions? Can the fast (Sawm) of those who do not perform the prayer (Salat), talk behind other people’s back, drink Alcohol, etc. be accepted? Does it bring all the benefits of fasting on body and soul, in its real sense of the word?
Or even sometimes, some non-Muslims show interest in performing fasting (Sawm). They might want to know what it feels like to fast. To know why Muslims are so enthusiastic about this act, or as they say to put themselves in Muslims' shoes. Indeed they are welcomed to take part in this beautiful ritual. Yet, they should note that Islam has specified some conditions for fasting (Swam) to be accepted.
What Are the Conditions that Make Fasting Meaningful and Pleasurable?
Converting to Islam
Having faith in the pillars of Islam
Being in sound mind and Not being unconscious [i]
Having the intention (Niyyah) of fasting
Avoiding whatever renders fasting void
Also, the one who is traveling, a menstruating woman, and the person who would receive harm by fasting are not required to fast.
As stated earlier, fasting is not the mere act of not eating and drinking. Rather it is a multi-dimensional practice. Aside from being a bodily endeavor, fasting is the spiritual effort of Muslims to elevate their souls and reach Allah’s satisfaction. So, not eating and drinking will not necessarily bring about the many spiritual and psychological effects of fasting. It is a process that influences the manner and the soul of the person, with the passage of time.
It is a whole series of actions that are accepted only when one has embraced Islam previously, believes in the Oneness of Allah and performs other practical principles of Islam such as prayer (Salat) as well.
In other words, if there were no spiritual and divine side to this action, it would not be called fasting (Sawm) anymore. As Imam Ali (AS) puts: “It is possible that a person who fasts, does not receive any benefit from his/her fasting other than hunger and thirst” [2]. Why would anyone want to bear hunger and thirst just for the sake of it? There must be something to motivate one going through such a challenging practice.
Intentions are the driving forces for actions, which determine their value and their expected effects. This is true for fasting as well, same as any other obligatory practice in Islam.
Fasting is first and foremost an act of worship and not a mere physical practice. Thus the first prerequisite for this act is to be done with the intention of serving Allah. There may be someone who is only interested in the health effects and physical benefits of fasting. Yet without a divine intention, his/her practice cannot be called fasting in Islam. This does not mean that you need to perform a special ritual before fasting; you should only be aware of your own will to fast and the reason why you fast.
Muslims believe that they fast for Allah [ii]. And what they have for breaking their fast is given by Allah, as a manifestation of His infinite mercy [iii]. With this in mind, Muslims feel inner joy and bliss after a long day of fasting with all its hardships. Since they find a meaning for their efforts. Then, they ask Allah to accept their act of worship [iv], regardless of its physical benefits or any other worldly attitude. At last, they whisper their needs and wishes to Allah, knowing that He is “all-hearing and all-knowing” [3].
We are born free, and Allah has endowed us with the power of choice. We choose to refrain from eating and drinking consciously. We choose to secure our tongue, eye, and ear from any vices. We choose to surrender to the will of Allah, and we choose to get closer to our divine Creator.
If our power of choice is undermined by any circumstances (e.g., not being mentally sound, being unconscious, not having the intention for fasting), fasting loses its meaning and necessary function. That is to emphasize human being's free will to be better, to go forward and prove his/her value.
Notes:
[i] i.e., one must be aware of what he/she is doing, or be in control of his/her actions.
[ii] A Hadith from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) [1].
[iii] اللّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْنَا: “O Allah: For You have we fasted” [3]
[iv] وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْنَا :“and with Your sustenance have we broken our fasting” [3]
[v] فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا : “so, (please) accept form us” [3].
References:
- Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari, vol.1, p.18-17.
- Nahj al-Balaghah, Wisdom no. 145.
- Dua after breaking the fast (Iftar)