Demise Anniversary of Lady Zainab (PBUH)

Unfortunately, due to technical problems, Liverpool Towhid Centre has had to cancel the programme.

Liverpool Towhid Centre is running a programme to highlight the demise anniversary of Lady Zainab (PBUH) who was actually the messenger of the great event of Karbala.  With her speech in the Umawi Palace, she unveiled the truth of the battle of Karbala and discovered the real, nasty face of the Umawi dynasty to the people.  Without her efforts, the story of Karbala would not reach us and the Umawi dynasty could account for martyring the Master of the Martyrs, Imam Hussain (PBUH).

The programme is to start at 8.30 pm ending at 10 pm with saying the Maghrib and Isha prayers in group.  Please arrive on time so that you can use all the parts of programme in your best.  The guest will be served supper which is the time slot brothers and sisters can communicate for further improvement of the centre.

Hope to see you all again.

Liverpool Shia Society

P.S. LSS apologises for not covering the birthday anniversary of Imam  Ali (PBUH) due to temporarily losing its connection to the Net.

Acts of the Holy Month of Rajab

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) said, “The month of Rajab is the month of Allah (SWT); Sha’baan is my month; and Ramadhan is the month of my people. Therefore, if anyone observes fasting on a day of this month, he will be seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT)…”

Here is the month of Rajab; the month for self-purification. May God help all of us purify ourselves from evil desires and bad habits, and help us overcome our worldly desires.
First day of the month of Rajab is the birthday anniversary of Imam Baqir (PBUH), the 5^th Imam of Shia and a famous figure in Muslim world. Congratulations to all.
Imam Mohammad Baqir said, “Learn the good words, even from those who do not act upon it.”
“Convey my greetings to my Shias. Order them to fear Allah, the Great. Their rich should visit their poor. Their sound should visit their ill. Their living should attend the funeral of their demised. They should meet each other in their houses. Indeed their meeting each other enlivens our affair. May Allah have mercy on one who enlivens our affair and puts the best of it into effect. Say to them, we will suffice nothing for them with Allah except through their good deeds. They will not obtain our intercession but through piety and hard work. Indeed the most intense of all people in regret on the Day of Judgment is the one who describes a certain deed, and then he does other than it.” (Uyun al-Akhbar wa Funun al-Atha)

The Holy Month of Rajab is upon us. The largest number of Islamic occasions in an Islamic year is within this month.

Important Dates and Events in Rajab
1^st – Birthday anniversary of Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (PBUH)
3^rd – Martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali Al-Naqi Al-Hadi (PBUH)
10^th – Birthday anniversary of Imam Muhammad Al-Taqi Al-Jawad (PBUH)
13^th – Birthday anniversary of Amir ul-Mo’mineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (PBUH)
14^th – Birthday anniversary of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) (according to another source 1^st of Zhul Hajjah has been mentioned too)
15^th – Demise of Lady Zainab (PBUH)
25^th – Martyrdom anniversary of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (PBHU)
26^th – Night of Me’raaj and Ba’that (proclaim) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF)
28^th – Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (PBUH) leaves Medina for Karbala

Islamic Insights – Allah loves us too much to let us fall behind in good deeds – He has gifted us with an opportunity in the form of Rajab that easily trumps the ‘business’ excuse! This blessed month is filled with simple ways to develop a stronger sense of God-consciousness; so why let it slip by unnoticed?

The Gifts of Rajab
Rajab is a month of many special days, including the birth anniversaries of our first, fifth and ninth Imams, the day when the Prophet (PBUH&HF) officially proclaimed Islam, and the day when he ascended to the heavens (Me’raaj). To top it all off, the Almighty Allah (SWT) has made it an especially honoured month for us to seek His forgiveness, to earn rewards, and – above all – to attain nearness to Him through worship.

Do not forget to pray for your brothers and sisters.

Liverpool Shia Society

Sent by: Zahra Karimi Nasab

Mourning Event on the Anniversary of Great Lady Fatima (PBUH) Martyrdom

Amid the wall and the wooden door,
Prophet’s daughter lied helplessly on the floor.
Her father sacrificed his youth for lighting the lamp;
she consumed herself; to brighten that lamp.
Cry of distress Zahra made;
a final farewell to the world she bade.
She gathered her children around her bed,
struggling to breathe; she firmly said;
“Oh the delight of my eyes,
raise your hands towards the skies.
I’ll make a prayer and pray with me.
Ya Allah hasten the death of mine.”
The young children gleamed with joy
to see their mother praying for her recovery …
How touching were those moments to see
them chanting “Ameen” so loudly!
Had Hassanian known, had Zainab known
that with this prayer, mother shall forever be gone;
They wouldn’t raise their tiny hands up
instead, would held onto their begging cup.
Asking kind Allah to make mother live long;
to give her strength & make her strong.
Alas, they were too young to know
how their innocent prayer would be answered in a go.
The impact of the injury was so great
for Mohsin to be saved; it was too late
his first home became his final abode
in womb of his mother, his death was bestowed

Liverpool Shia Society

In the Name of Allah the Compassionate the Merciful

Some Characteristics of Al-Abbas (PBUH)

By Dr Hameed H. B. Al-Mas’udi

Al-Abbas (PBUH) received a great deal of praise and appreciation by our immaculate imams, who expressed and indicated their admiration for his heroic deeds which were culminated by his martyrdom while defending the third imam, Al-Hussain Ibn Ali (PBUT) in Karbala in 61 AH. Imam Ali (PBUH), their father, predicted the responsibility of Al-Abbas (PBUH) in defending his brother and his family and companions in Karbala. Imam Hussain (PBUH), when Al-Abbas (PBUH) was just passing away, said, “I have now become helpless”. Imam Zain ul-Abideen (PBUH), the fourth immaculate imam, expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices offered by Al-Abbas (PBUH) in defending his religion and belief. Imam Sadiq (PBUH), our sixth immaculate imam, has reportedly mentioned in his ziaarat (pilgrimage) to Al-Abbas (PBUH), “I testify to you for your submission (to the will of God), honest acceptance as true, loyalty and sincerity to the descendent of the commissioned Prophet (Allah’s blessings be upon him and his Household).” Then he addresses him as follows, “You were the most excellent steadfast fighter, protector, supporter and brother who defended his brother, responded to the obedience of his Lord, and worked desirably for gaining the abundant reward, which others refused, and the nice tribute.” (Mafatih al-Jinan (The Keys to the Gardens of Paradise), 2009: 431 and 438)

In the excerpt above, Imam Sadiq (PBUH) mentions some characteristics of Al-Abbas (PBUH). The importance of such characteristics arises from the fact that they are stated by an immaculate, infallible imam, who calls things by their real names. These characteristics are as follows:

1. Submission to the will of God: Al-Abbas (PBUH) was completely aware of the imamate of his brother, Imam Hussain (PBUH); therefore, he did his best to defend him, not because he was his brother, but because he was his imam, through whom he submitted to Allah (SWT).
2. Honest acceptance as true: Al-Abbas (PBUH) devoted himself and his three brothers for his belief. He indicated that he was the best representative of a faithful believer throughout his obedience to the Almighty Allah (SWT).
3. Loyalty:  This characteristic is indicated through his support of the right side represented by his brother, Imam Hussain (PBUH) in his ordeal, although Al-Abbas (PBUH) received a big deal by those enemies who pretended to be his uncles on the part of his mother.
4. Sincerity: This is another characteristic of Al-Abbas (PBUH). In fact, he was sincere in his defence of his brother Imam Hussain (PBUH) in Karbala, in his fights throughout his life accompanying his father, and in his opposition to the wrongdoers.

In his other speeches, Imam Sadiq (PBUH) furthermore mentioned other features of Al-Abbas (PBUH), such as his clear-sightedness, steadfast faith and jihad for Islam.

Liverpool Shia Society

Ziaarat Ashura

Ayatollah Vahid Khorasani has recommended the Muslims to recite Ziaarat Ashura to support the innocent Bahraini people.  May the Almighty Allah free them from this hassle very soon.

Liverpool Shia Society

In the Name of Allah the Compassionate the Merciful

Mokhtar-nameh (Mokhtar Narratives) – Farsi with English Subtitle

Al-Mokhtar Thaqafi (Saghafi) was the head for the rebels who did a massive effort to take revenge from those who martyred Imam Hussain and his companions (PBUT) and captivated the family of Imam Hussain (PBUH).  He was born in 1 AH (the year of the migration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) from Mecca to Medina) and grew up in Mecca.  His father, Abi Ubayda, was one of the commanders in conquering Persians in the area about East Iraq.  After his father, he settled in Kufa, a new town after Persia conquer.

He was a hardcore Shia of Imam Ali (PBUH) and had served him and his son, Imam Hassan (PBUH).  He had also seen the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF).  When Imam Hussain (PBUH) did not pledge with Yazid (may the Almighty Allah curse him) and moved towards Iraq, he was in the way of making his mind to support Moslem Ibn Aqeel (PBUH).  However, he was too late and Moslem was martyred before Mokhtar and his gathering reach Kufa.  Although he had decided to welcome Imam Hussain (PBUH), he was unexpectedly jailed by Umayyad.  He was released when the story of Karbala was unfortunately ended and thus, in order to make it up, he prepared for revenge.  This decision put him in a particular way and, creating a revolution, made him much more well-known than he already was.  Mokhtar-nameh serial have actually taken the story into the TV.

The serial has been written and directed by Mr Davoud Mir-Baqeri, the director of the famous serial of Imam Ali (PBUH).  This 40 episode serial has taken eight years to produce, and very famous actors and actresses have been used for the roles.  The serial cost $20m and is considered as the most expensive TV production in Iran.  IRIB3, one of Jaam-e-Jam TV, broadcast the serial in Farsi with English subtitles.

Thanks to dyousufi, so far 21 episodes have been uploaded on YouTube and they have been posted on LSS website for easy use of the visitors.  Upon receiving any further episodes on YouTube, they will be added to the current ones; however, the subscribers may not be informed of the additional episodes.  So, it is requested to occasionally check the post to catch up with new episodes of Mokhtar-nameh.

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

Episode 9

Episode 10

Episode 11

Episode 12

Episode 13

Episode 14

Episode 15

Episode 16

Episode 17

Episode 18

Episode 19

Episode 20

Episode 21

Episode 22

Episode 23

Episode 24

Episode 25

Episode 26

Episode 27

Episode 28

Episode 29

Episode 30

Episode 31

Episode 32

Episode 33

Episode 34

Episode 35

Episode 36

Episode 37

Episode 38

Episode 39

Episode 40 (The Last Episode)

Liverpool Shia Society

In the Name of Allah the Compassionate the Merciful

Some Characteristics of the Companions of Imam Hussain (PBUT)

“I have never known companions better than mine“, said Imam Hussain (PBUH).

Verse 29, Chapter ‘The Victory’ in the Holy Quran summarizes the characteristics of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) as follows:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those with him are firm of heart against the unbelievers, compassionate among themselves; you will see them bowing down, prostrating themselves, seeking grace from Allah and pleasure. Their marks are in their faces because of the effect of prostration; that is their description in the Taurat [Torah] and their description in the Injeel [Bible]; like as seed-produce that puts forth its sprout, then strengthens it, so it becomes stout and stands firmly on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the unbelievers on account of them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do good, forgiveness and a great reward.” (Translated by Shakir, 2005)

The companions of Imam Hussain (PBUT) had additional characteristics to those highlighted by this verse and those characteristics were not available to other companions of Ahl al-Bait (PBUT), even those of the Prophet (PBUH&HF). The most important ones of these are the following:

1. Islam was deeply-rooted in them since they had spent a longer period with Islam. Some of them were themselves companions of the Prophet (PBUH&HF); others were Muslims in birth. In addition, most of them were companions of more than one Imam, as they had seen and served Imam Ali, Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (PBUT).

2. All of them had come out of an ordeal that had hit Islam on the hands of the neo-pagans, where only those who had good insight could find the right path in following the right party.

3. The most important of these characteristics was the fact that the companions of Imam Hussain did not have a choice between victory and martyrdom as the other companions and followers did, i.e. they had only one choice, which was martyrdom.

Liverpool Shia Society

_________________________________________________

Dr Hameed Hassoon Bjaiya Al-Mas’udi is assistant professor at the Department of English, University of Babylon.  Being originally from Babylon, Iraq, he achieved his BA in English from Baghdad University, Iraq, in 1976.  Afterwards, he completed his MA in ELT (English Language Teaching) at the University of Warwick, the UK, in 1989.  Back to Iraq, he fulfilled his PhD in Translation and Linguistics at Al-Mustansiriya University, Iraq.  He has obtained several degrees since 1994 and has gained valuable experiences in academia.  Further to teaching and researching, he has several publications in conferences and journals.

The above article has been sent by Dr Hameed Al-Mas’udi to go online on the LSS website.  Please note that the article has been reviewed before publication; however, if any comment deems worthwhile to be considered with regard to the article, LSS website team would be thankful if you could kindly share the comment.

Arba’een through Cameras

It was stated by the Karbala Province Council that until Monday evening (January 25th), 13 million people have entered Karbala Province and it was predicted that two million more would enter in Karabala City by the Arba’een day.

“Certainly, in the heart of Mu’minnen (faithfuls), there is a heat (passion) for the martyrdom of Hussain (PBUH) and that heat never subsides”, the Holy Prophet of Islam

رسول الله (صلـّی الله علیه و آله و سلـّم): إنّ لقتل الحسین حرارة فی قلوب المؤمنین لن تبرد ابدا

There should be a wise reason for this many people leaving thier work and ordinary life, putting themseleves in trouble, walking long distances and insisting in mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions (PBUT) and visiting their shrine!

یا لیـتـنا کـنـّا معـهم

Arba’een of Imam Hussain (PBUH)

“Be in Karbala for visiting Imam Hussain (PBUH) and other martyrs, and if it is not possible, try to recite Ziyaarat of Imam Hussain (PBUH) and the other martyrs of Karbala wherever you are”, Imam Hassan Askari’s (PBUH) advice for the day of Arba’een of Imam Hussain (PBUH).

Liverpool Tawhid Centre will be running mourning for the Arba’een (40^th day) of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom on Tuesday, January 25^th, 2011, from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Ziaarat of Arba’een, lecture and dirge (noha) have been provided for the ceremony, after which Imam Hussain’s (PBUH) guests will be served by supper.

The venue of the event is:

Cochrane Street
Heyworth Street
Liverpool
L5 4LJ

Please inform the others about the programme.

Hope to see you all there.

Liverpool Shia Society

Arabic Version of the serial ‘al-Mokhtar al-Thaqafi’

Recently just before Muharram, an Iranian serial entitled as ‘Mokhtar-Nameh’ has been broadcast on weekly basis. iFilm is going to broadcast the Arabic version of the serial with the title of ‘al-Mokhtar al-Thaqafi’. Display will commence on Friday 14 January 2011, will broadcast every week and re-broadcast will be on Saturdays. Those who are interested in historical-religious items should not miss it. Full description can be found here.

The serial has been written and directed by Mr Davoud Mir-Baqeri, the director of the well-known serial of Imam Ali (PBUH). This 40 episode serial has taken eight years to produce, and very famous actors and actresses have been used for the roles. The serial cost $20m and is considered as the most expensive TV production in Iran.

The serial is about the biography and revolution of Mokhtar Thaqafi who arose after the sad event of Karbala to revenge for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (PBUH). He could successfully kill all those who fought with lonely Imam Hussain (PBUH).

Liverpool Shia Society