The Season of Azadari Comes to an End, But the Journey of Hussainiyat Must Continue Shabu Zaidi

Lucknow | Saturday, August 22

Today is the final day of the Ayyam-e-Aza. We say that today, our Master will bid farewell. But do we really believe that Maula bids farewell?

During the days of Aza, Majalis are held in our homes and Azakhaneh. The martyrs of Karbala are remembered, mourning and lamentation take place, and people seek forgiveness from Allah for their sins. From today, the voices of these Majalis may fall silent for some time, but the religious teachings, humanity, and spirit of service that we have learned from these gatherings should become even stronger in our character.

Karbala is not merely about shedding tears. Karbala is about transforming our character and standing firm for truth.

If, even after listening to Majalis, we do not respect our parents, do not fulfill the rights of our brothers and sisters, do not understand the suffering of our neighbors, deprive the poor of their rights, or fail to repay our debts, then we must ask ourselves: What exactly did we learn from the Majalis?

The life and teachings of Imam Hussain (AS) show us the path of justice, humanity, loyalty, and standing firm against oppression. Therefore, our responsibility becomes even greater after Aza.

From today, we should try to increase our love and loyalty toward our parents and treat them with respect. We should end disagreements with our brothers and sisters, stand beside our neighbors and friends in their difficulties, maintain cleanliness around us, repay what we owe to others, and never deprive the poor and needy of their rights.

This is the true message of Hussainiyat.

Not Just a Question—A Question for Our Conscience

We send Durood-o-Salam upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS). We express our love for them and study their lives and teachings. But when the oppression suffered by these holy personalities and the history of their era is discussed, some people are also seen praising those who, according to historical accounts, are accused of committing injustices against the Ahl al-Bayt.

Instead of arguing with anyone, every person should ask this question of their own conscience.

Read religious books. Read history. Study different sources and then take some time to reflect within yourself:

Is our belief truly standing with truth and justice?
Do we really understand what we are saying?
Is our love limited only to our words, or can it also be seen in our thoughts and character?

Do not make religion merely something you listen to. Read it, understand it, and then look within yourself.

The purpose should not be to create hatred against anyone. The purpose should be to recognize truth, justice, and humanity and improve our own conduct.

Azadari Is Not the Love of Only One Community

Some people believe that the mourning of Imam Hussain (AS) is limited only to Shia Muslims. If you believe that, then come to Lucknow during Muharram next year and see it with your own eyes.

In Lucknow’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, our Hindu brothers, Sikh brothers, and people from other communities can also be seen expressing their love for Imam Hussain (AS) and remembering the martyrs of Karbala.

Because Hussain (AS) does not belong to just one community.

Hussain (AS) represents justice.
Hussain (AS) represents humanity.
Hussain (AS) represents loyalty.
Hussain (AS) represents refusing to bow before oppression.

Therefore, if after leaving the Azakhaneh we help someone in need, become a source of support for someone who is suffering, do not violate anyone’s rights, and do not cause pain to anyone through our behavior, then understand that the teachings of the Majalis have truly entered our lives.

The days of Aza may come to an end, but the journey of Hussainiyat must never end.

Those who question Azadari or call it an innovation should be answered not merely through arguments, but through our character. Muharram will return next year. Majalis will once again be held, and Karbala will once again be remembered.

But the question is:

Will we have changed ourselves by then?

We still have time—to read religious books, understand history, reflect upon our beliefs, and repent for our mistakes.

Indeed, Allah is the Most Forgiving.

Let us, through the blessings of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), repent for our sins and strive to follow the Sirat al-Mustaqeem, the straight path. Let justice, truth, love, and humanity become a part of our lives.

Maula does not bid farewell—the season of Aza does.
The Majalis come to an end—but their message must remain with us.

And perhaps this is the greatest question of Ayyam-e-Aza:

How much did we not merely cry for Hussain (AS), but how much did we actually learn from Hussain (AS)?