The holy month of Muharram is approaching, and Lucknow, globally revered as a center of Azadari, is busy adorning homes in memory of the martyrs of Karbala. Our elders and scholars have kept the sacrifices of Islam and the Prophet’s household alive through their scholarly majalis, which remain a source of inspiration. However, in recent years, the tone of Lucknow’s pulpits has shifted. Where once knowledge, spirituality, and sacrifice were discussed, now gossip, politics, and irrelevant issues have taken over. Today’s youth want the pulpit to speak of Allah, the faith, Imam Ali’s Nahjul Balagha, and Imam Jafar Sadiq’s (A.S.) research that benefits the world. They also seek guidance on current global and national issues, education, health, and employment.
Purpose of Majalis: Religious Unity and Social Progress
Muharram majalis should not only be for mourning but also for awareness and inspiration. An appeal to scholars is to focus on the following in majalis:
True Islam: Explain the Quran, Nahjul Balagha, and teachings of Ahlulbayt (A.S.) in simple language to connect youth with faith.
Current Affairs: Discuss global and national issues from an Islamic perspective to help people discern right from wrong.
Education and Health: Highlight the importance of education and access to healthcare for the youth.
Employment Opportunities: Guide on new job avenues, skill development, and entrepreneurship to strengthen the economy and promote Azadari and faith.
Unity and Brotherhood: Ensure majalis foster religious and social unity, not division.
The Call of the Youth
Today’s youth want majalis to be more than rituals—they should be a means to improve lives. Stronger paths to employment and education will fortify the spirit of Azadari. There is hope that Lucknow’s pulpits will connect Karbala’s sacrifice to modern needs, spreading the message of true Islam to foster unity, progress, and spiritual awakening in society.
In Conclusion
The message of Muharram is to stand for truth. Let us make majalis a platform for knowledge, unity, and progress, so that Lucknow’s Azadari becomes an example for the world.
