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• 9 Muharram 1448

May Allah greatly reward us and you for the tragedy of Aba Abdillah Al-Husayn and his pure family and chosen companions.
The Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority in Europe offers his condolences to the Islamic world on the eve of the Tenth of Muharram and states:
This night is among the greatest nights in the history of Islam—a night in which the highest meanings of faith, sacrifice, loyalty, and steadfastness upon principle were manifested. It contains lessons, admonitions, and insights for all segments of society, especially the youth. Among the supporters of Imam Al-Husayn (peace be upon him) were a group of young men who presented the finest examples of heroism and faith. Therefore, we must reflect upon this noble legacy and draw from it provisions for our present and future, for ourselves and for our children. What, then, are these lessons and admonitions?

First: What Does Al-Husayn Want from Us on This Night?
Does he want us merely to weep, or does he want us to be righteous and committed to the teachings of religion?
The greatest expression of loyalty to Imam Al-Husayn (peace be upon him) is to transform love into action, tears into commitment, and gatherings of remembrance into projects of self-reform and social reform. Imam Al-Husayn did not sacrifice himself merely so that we would mourn him; rather, he sacrificed himself so that the message of Islam would remain alive within the Ummah.

Second: Preserving Prayer and Maintaining a Connection with Allah
One of the most important lessons we learn from the eve of Ashura is that Imam Al-Husayn regarded prayer as the pillar of religion and upheld it even under the most difficult circumstances.
When the enemy army advanced toward him on the evening of the ninth of Muharram, he sent his brother Al-Abbas (peace be upon him) to request a delay until the following morning so that he and his companions could spend the night in worship, prayer, obedience to Allah, and recitation of the Qur’an. Throughout that night, the camp of Al-Husayn resonated like the hum of bees, with some bowing in prayer, others prostrating, standing, or reciting the Qur’an.
Likewise, on the Day of Ashura, when Abu Thumamah Al-Sa’idi reminded him that the time for prayer had arrived, Imam Al-Husayn replied: “You have reminded us of prayer; may Allah make you among those who remember and establish it.” He then led his companions in prayer in the midst of the battlefield.
For this reason, young people should preserve their prayers and perform them on time. Many spiritual and moral problems begin when a person's relationship with Allah weakens. However, a young person who safeguards his prayers and lives with the Qur’an and supplication possesses an inner protection that helps him confront temptations and deviations.
Therefore, the best gift a young person can offer Imam Al-Husayn on this night is to pledge before Allah to remain committed to prayer and never neglect it. Islamic traditions mention that one who is careless regarding prayer faces numerous consequences in this world, in the grave, and on the Day of Judgment.

Third: Avoiding Sins That Anger Allah and His Messenger
It is painful that some young people attend gatherings commemorating Imam Al-Husayn and then return to behaviors that are inconsistent with the objectives of his movement. Imam Al-Husayn rose to reform the Ummah, not to justify its mistakes.
Therefore, young people should make the eve of the tenth of Muharram an opportunity for sincere repentance and self-reflection. Let each of us examine our relationship with Allah. Is there negligence in prayer? Disobedience toward parents? Forbidden glances? Backbiting or gossip? Attachment to websites or programs that lead to moral corruption?
These blessed nights are among the best times to open a new page with Allah. A single sincere tear shed in a gathering for Al-Husayn may become the beginning of a complete transformation in one's life.

Fourth: Investing Youthful Energies in the Service of Religion
Youth represent the true strength of any society. In Karbala, we witnessed remarkable examples of young men who dedicated their abilities to the service of truth.
Al-Qasim ibn Al-Hasan (peace be upon him) was a young man in the prime of youth. Ali Al-Akbar (peace be upon him) was also in the bloom of his youth, along with many others whose names became immortalized in history.
Today, religion needs conscious and knowledgeable youth who carry the message of Islam with wisdom, knowledge, and noble character. Young people should play active roles in:
* Serving Husayni gatherings.
* Spreading authentic religious knowledge.
* Assisting those in need.
* Voluntary and community service.
* Teaching others.
* Defending moral values within society.
When youth invest their lives in goodness, they build a blessed future for themselves in both this world and the Hereafter.

Fifth: Choosing Righteous Companionship
One of the important lessons of Karbala is that a person is greatly influenced by those around him. The companions of Imam Al-Husayn were a model of righteous companionship that encouraged obedience and steadfastness. In contrast, the followers of Yazid represented companionship that leads to deviation and loss.
Therefore, young people must choose their friends carefully. A righteous friend draws you closer to Allah, helps you succeed, and protects you from mistakes. A bad companion, however, may become the cause of losing one's religion, morals, and future.
For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: “A person follows the religion of his close friend.”

Sixth: Equipping Oneself with Knowledge and Sound Understanding
We live in an age filled with intellectual, doctrinal, and moral challenges. Through social media, young people are exposed to a constant stream of conflicting ideas.
Therefore, one of the most important messages of the eve of Ashura for youth is to pursue knowledge and understanding. Just as the companions of Imam Al-Husayn possessed insight before they possessed courage, young people should seek awareness before enthusiasm.
Insight enables a person to distinguish truth from falsehood. Accordingly, attention should be given to reciting the Qur’an, reading beneficial books, and attending lessons and lectures that deepen a correct understanding of religion.

Seventh: Adorning Oneself with the Ethics of Al-Husayn
The greatest factor that attracts people to religion is good character. Imam Al-Husayn was a model of mercy, generosity, humility, forgiveness, and courage.
Therefore, a true follower of Al-Husayn is one whose daily conduct reflects the values of Al-Husayn. He should be:
* Truthful in speech.
* Trustworthy in dealings.
* Respectful toward others.
* Dutiful to his parents.
* Cooperative within his community.
* Humble and far removed from arrogance.
People may not ask how much you weep for Imam Al-Husayn, but they will observe your character and behavior. If they see the ethics of Al-Husayn in you, they will recognize the sincerity of your affiliation with him.

Eighth: Renewing the Covenant with Imam Al-Husayn
One of the most beautiful acts on the eve of the tenth of Muharram is for a young person to sit alone for a few moments and renew his covenant with Imam Al-Husayn.
He should say from the depths of his heart before uttering it with his tongue:
“O Aba Abdillah, I will not allow Ashura to be merely a passing occasion. Rather, I will make it a turning point in my life. I will strive against my lower self. I will safeguard my religion. I will serve my community. I will be among those who call others to goodness. And I will strive to embody the values of the School of Al-Husayn.”
Such a covenant can transform a person's entire future if he is sincere with Allah.
We ask Allah Almighty to make us and our youth among the supporters of truth, to grant them success in following the path of Imam Al-Husayn (peace be upon him), and to gather them with him on the Day of Resurrection in the company of Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad, upon whom be the best of prayers and peace.