• Activities
• 3 Muhrram 1448

The Imam Ali Foundation in London has reminded believers of the guidance and recommendations of the Supreme Religious Authority during these days of sorrow, stating:
“Ashura is not merely an occasion for grief and tears; rather, it is a school of reform, awareness, and transformation. Believers are called upon to reflect upon the objectives of Imam al-Husayn’s uprising—reviving religion, resisting injustice and deviation—and to transform this commemoration into a practical project of personal and social reform.”

On the occasion of the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him), a tragedy that has wounded hearts and brought tears to eyes, and in light of the saying of Imam al-Ridha (peace be upon him): “Let those who weep, weep for one like al-Husayn, for indeed weeping over him erases great sins.”
The Imam Ali Foundation and the Liaison Office of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani (may his shadow be prolonged) have deemed it appropriate to highlight some of the guidance issued by the Supreme Religious Authority for these sorrowful days, so that the lovers of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) may draw lessons and insights beneficial for both their religious and worldly lives.

First: Adherence to the Rulings of Islamic Law
All practices and rituals should be conducted in accordance with the rulings of the sacred Sharia. Believers should avoid anything that may bring disrepute to the school of Ahl al-Bayt, distort the image of the Husayni rituals, or expose oneself to significant harm.

Second: Presenting the Noble Image of the Followers of Ahl al-Bayt
The Religious Authority calls upon believers to serve as examples of good character, discipline, cleanliness, order, and respectful conduct toward others, because millions view these occasions as a reflection of the teachings and values of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

Third: Utilizing Husayni Gatherings for Religious Education
Attendance at Husayni gatherings should not be limited to emotional expression alone. Rather, these gatherings should be used as opportunities to learn correct beliefs, deepen knowledge of the lives and teachings of Ahl al-Bayt, understand Islamic rulings, and address contemporary intellectual and moral challenges.

Fourth: Preserving Prayer and Religious Obligations
Among the most important recommendations is that participation in religious rituals should never distract believers from performing prayers at their prescribed times or from fulfilling other religious obligations.
Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) sacrificed everything for the preservation of religion, and prayer remained one of the foremost acts of worship that he upheld even under the most difficult circumstances on the Day of Ashura. When Abu Thumamah al-Sa’idi reminded him of the prayer time, Imam al-Husayn replied: “You have remembered the prayer; may Allah make you among those who pray and remember Him.”

Fifth: Unity and Harmony Among Believers
The Religious Authority warns against anything that may provoke division, disputes, or social discord during these days. It calls upon believers to practice tolerance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the resolution of differences.

Sixth: Caring for Youth and Children
The Religious Authority encourages making use of this occasion to nurture the younger generation upon the love of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), religious commitment, responsibility, sacrifice, altruism, and service to society.

Seventh: Supporting the Needy
Just as Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) was a symbol of mercy and humanity, one of the finest ways of honoring and reviving his cause is by caring for the poor, orphans, widows, and those in need, and extending assistance to them during these days.

Eighth: Transforming Husayni Emotions into Practical Conduct
Weeping for Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) is among the greatest acts of devotion. However, the Religious Authority emphasizes that the true fruits of attending religious gatherings become evident when a person emerges more truthful, trustworthy, God-conscious, and committed to the rights of others.

Ninth: Demonstrating Patience and Steadfastness in the Face of Challenges
Among the lessons of Karbala emphasized by the Religious Authority is that believers should draw from Imam al-Husayn and his family (peace be upon them) the spirit of resilience and steadfastness in confronting trials, pressures, and hardships, particularly in the present age.
Believers should remain confident that victory will ultimately come, provided they do not abandon their principles regardless of the challenges they face, for Allah has promised: “O you who believe! If you support the cause of Allah, He will support you and make your foothold firm.” (Qur’an 47:7)

Tenth: Reviving the Cause Through Awareness and Insight
The Religious Authority stresses that the objective is not merely to commemorate the event itself, but to revive the message carried by Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him): a message of justice, dignity, responsible freedom, and the defense of divine values.

Conclusion
In summary, the Religious Authority seeks for believers to make the days of Muharram and Ashura a season for building conscious and faithful individuals—individuals who combine sincere Husayni devotion, sound religious understanding, noble character, service to others, and practical commitment to the path of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
Through this, the true meaning of reviving the cause of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) and his pure family can be realized.

Peace be upon al-Husayn, and upon Ali ibn al-Husayn, and upon the children of al-Husayn, and upon the companions of al-Husayn.**