• Statements
• 28 Thulhija 1446

General Recommendations for Leaders and Staff of Islamic Centers and Institutions on the Occasion of Muharram 1447 AH Issued by the Imam Ali (peace be upon him) Foundation – London

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Peace and blessings be upon you, dear brothers and sisters in faith.
We extend our heartfelt condolences on the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) and his noble, pure family.
The month of Muḥarram is not merely an emotional occasion rooted in the collective consciousness of the Muslim community—it is a pivotal opportunity to revive religious awareness, renew allegiance to the path of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and foster the development of a mission-driven individual who takes Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) as a role model and exemplar.
In this revival, Islamic centers and institutions bear a tremendous responsibility, especially in diasporic communities or multicultural societies, where these centers serve as platforms for education, propagation, commemoration, and transmitting the spirit of Karbala across generations.
With this in mind, we present a set of recommendations aimed at guiding institutional work during this sacred season—ensuring that the rituals are elevated, the intellectual tradition renewed, core values preserved, and the community served in the footsteps of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him).

1. Sincerity in Service with a Pure Intention
The first and foremost recommendation is to dedicate all efforts sincerely to God Almighty—whether in program planning, inviting speakers, organizing processions and commemorative gatherings, or overseeing administrative and financial affairs.
Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) launched his uprising seeking God’s pleasure, saying: “I did not rise out of arrogance or vanity, but I rose to seek reform in the nation of my grandfather.”
Thus, the guiding principle of institutions during Ashura should be: reform, selfless service, and sincere intention in glorifying the rituals of God and presenting them in a dignified manner.

2. Developing a Comprehensive and Balanced Program
It is essential for centers to prepare a holistic and well-structured program that addresses the diverse needs of believers during this time, including:
• Religious and educational lectures that consider audience diversity (men, women, youth, children).
• Mourning ceremonies that are spiritually moving and carry meaningful messages.
• Workshops and dialogue sessions focused on the values and concepts of Karbala.
• Qur’anic recitation gatherings and collective readings of Ziyarat Ashura, Ziyarat Warith, and Dua al-Tawassul, especially during these difficult times.
• Educational competitions on the life of Imam Husayn and the goals of his uprising.
All of this should follow a clear and organized schedule, with dedicated committees overseeing implementation with care and precision.

3. Special Attention to Youth and Young Women
Youth are the foundation upon which the future is built. If they do not find in Islamic centers a message that speaks to them, a style that engages them, and a space that welcomes them, their connection to these rituals will gradually diminish.
Therefore, institutions must:
• Design youth-oriented programs in multiple languages that reflect diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Offer non-traditional, interactive lectures that address their questions and concerns.
• Involve them in planning and service roles, giving them meaningful responsibility in commemorations.
• Produce digital content suited to their tastes (videos, infographics, interactive platforms).
It is recommended to work closely with insightful youth in shaping these programs rather than imposing outdated models that no longer resonate.

4. Upholding Religious Identity in a Respectful Manner
One of the key roles of institutions during this time is to strengthen authentic Shia identity—without falling into sectarianism or isolationism. Accordingly, institutions should:
• Emphasize the Ahl al-Bayt’s school of thought as one of reform and human development.
• Present the multifaceted dimensions of the Husayni uprising—doctrinal, ethical, and political—in a scholarly and inclusive tone.
• Refrain from disapproved practices or alienating slogans, while preserving the spirit of mourning and protest against injustice.
The goal is not merely to evoke emotions, but to deepen affiliation, enhance understanding, and promote moral refinement within the community.

5. Respect for the System and Discipline in Gatherings
A hallmark of successful Muharram commemorations is maintaining order, punctuality, and a respectful atmosphere. Therefore:
• Program start and end times should be clearly defined and respected.
• Comfortable and organized seating arrangements should be provided for men, women, and children.
• Service teams should be appointed to manage entry, exit, child supervision, and overall decorum.
• Proper sound systems, lighting, and ventilation should be ensured, along with real-time translation when needed.
Though such details may seem minor, they reflect reverence for Imam Husayn and create an environment conducive to spiritual impact.

6. Enhancing Media and Documentation Efforts
Unfortunately, many efforts during Muharram are lost or underutilized due to lack of documentation or insufficient media presence. Therefore, centers should:
• Record programs in audio and video format.
• Publish visual and written reports on activities.
• Share short clips and highlights through social media platforms.
• Translate lectures and educational materials into local languages (English, French, Spanish, German, etc.).
• Collaborate with independent media outlets to portray the humanitarian message of Imam Husayn.
Through such means, the message of Karbala can transcend the walls of the center and reach the broader world.

7. Imam Husayn is for all
Ashura presents a unique opportunity to introduce non-Muslims to the authentic values of Islam—especially in Western societies.
Islamic Centers are encouraged to organize public gatherings specifically tailored for non-Muslim visitors, as Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) does not belong to Shia Muslims alone, but to all of humanity.

“Say: Act! For God will see your deeds, and so will His Messenger and the believers.” (Qur’an 9:105)