“Labbayk Ya Husain
The Moharram of Lucknow is not merely a period of mourning to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.), but also a global message of peace, humanity, and social responsibility. In the city of Nawabs, the grand majlis, especially the Ashara (the first ten days of majlis), have for centuries served as a means to unite people and uplift society. Amidst the ongoing discussions on social media and in Muslim-dominated areas, at intersections and shops, there is a welcome suggestion that during Moharram 2025, each majlis should dedicate 10 minutes to addressing critical issues like education, technical education, and employment. This step is both timely and essential, given the pressing issue of youth unemployment and the current circumstances.
Current Scenario: The Silence of Unemployment
During the recent Eid al-Adha, it was observed in Lucknow that for three to four days following the day of sacrifice, e-rickshaw drivers and tire repairmen like Abdul, who are hardworking individuals, were absent from the streets. A haunting silence prevailed. This scene reflects the grim reality of today’s educated yet unemployed youth. No young person wishes for their children, nephews, nieces, or neighbors’ children to earn a living by driving e-rickshaws or fixing punctures. It is the responsibility of society, and particularly the Maulanas who lead the majlis, to guide the community out of this crisis.
Nahjul Balagha: The Message of Education and Employment
Nahjul Balagha, enriched with the teachings of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), provides clear guidance on education and employment. In Khutba 110, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) states:
“Knowledge is the food of the soul, and it is the duty of every person to acquire it.”
This encourages not only religious knowledge but also worldly and technical knowledge. In today’s era, technical education—such as artificial intelligence, data science, and digital marketing—can be a pathway to self-reliance for the youth.
In Letter 53 (to Malik Ashtar), Hazrat Ali (a.s.) emphasizes hard work and self-reliance, saying:
“Wealth earned through hard work is honorable and contributes to the welfare of society.”
He also advises maintaining honesty and ethics in employment, strictly prohibiting exploitation or dishonesty as per Nahjul Balagha.
The Responsibility of Maulanas
The Maulanas leading the grand majlis in Lucknow bear a significant responsibility today. Beyond reminding the community of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) martyrdom, they must connect his teachings to present-day challenges and show the community a way forward. The following suggestions and responsibilities are pertinent for Maulanas:
Focus on Education: Dedicate 10 minutes in each majlis to discuss education, particularly technical education. Inform the youth about free online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy, or India’s SWAYAM portal), scholarships, and technical institutions (e.g., IITs, NITs, or polytechnics).
Awareness of Employment Opportunities: Maulanas should share information about local and national employment schemes (e.g., Uttar Pradesh’s Special Education Zone or Skill India Mission). The 785-acre Special Education Zone (SEZ) in Lucknow offers significant potential for skill development and jobs.
Inspiration and Awareness: Share stories in majlis of young individuals who have transformed their lives through technical education and hard work to inspire others.
Social Responsibility: Maulanas should remind the community of Hazrat Ali’s (a.s.) emphasis on supporting the vulnerable. They can advocate for community funds or mentorship programs for unemployed youth during majlis.
Utilizing Social Media: With Lucknow’s majlis being globally renowned, Maulanas should leverage social media to spread the message of education and employment, incorporating these themes in live broadcasts.
Suggestions and Arrangements
Special Sessions in Majlis: Allocate a 10-minute slot in every Ashara majlis for “Education and Employment,” using citations from Nahjul Balagha (e.g., Khutba 110, Letter 53) to motivate the youth.
Skill Development Workshops: Post-Moharram, majlis committees should organize free skill development workshops, inviting experts from institutions like Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) in Lucknow.
Awareness Campaigns: Distribute pamphlets and use digital screens in majlis to inform about government initiatives (e.g., PM Shri Schools’ Digital Literacy Program).
Community Support: Majlis committees in Lucknow should initiate job fairs or mentorship programs for unemployed youth, aligning with Hazrat Ali’s (a.s.) focus on social welfare.
Conclusion
The Moharram majlis in Lucknow can transcend being mere occasions of mourning to become platforms for progress and awareness. By grounding their discourse in the teachings of Nahjul Balagha, Maulanas should address critical issues like education, technical education, and employment. This will not only pull the youth out of the silence of unemployment but also align Imam Husain’s (a.s.) message with contemporary times, paving the way for the community’s advancement. Let this Moharram’s majlis in Lucknow herald a new message: “Change the destiny of the Ummah with knowledge and hard work!”
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