I participated in ‘Shaam-Ghariban’ (night of the mourners) at the Nejaf Islamic Center, Boston. Present from the family were Jafar (Arshi), Sabila, Malik & Kazim. Both Malik and Sabila are among the co founders of this Center.
Sharing with you and many who are unaware of the significance of this night.
Shaam-e-Ghariban is a term used to refer to the night of the 10th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. It is the night after the Battle of Karbala, which took place on the 10th of Muharram in the year 680 AD. During this battle, Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was martyred along with his family and companions.
On Shaam-e-Ghariban, the surviving members of Imam Hussain’s family and companions were left alone and abandoned in the desert without food, water, or shelter. They were captured by the forces of the Umayyad Caliphate and taken to Damascus, where they were held captive and treated with great cruelty.
Shaam-e-Ghariban is a time for mourning and reflection for many Muslims, particularly those who follow the Shia branch of Islam. It is common for people to recite poetry and lamentations in memory of the tragedy of Karbala.
One of the most famous recitations that is often performed on Shaam-e-Ghariban is the Noha “Shaam-e-Ghariban” by Mir Anees. Here is an English translation of the first few lines:
O the night of the forsaken!
O the night of the oppressed!
O the night when the tents were burned!
O the night when the women were taken captive!
This Noha is a powerful lamentation that captures the tragedy and sorrow of the events of Karbala and the plight of the survivors on Shaam-e-Ghariban.
Sharing a few videos taken in darkness during the Majalis. The lights are switched off in reverence to those whose grief outpours as they cry, weep and sob on listening to the recitation of the Salam & Nauhas
Salam
A traslated Nauha By Mir Anees
The night of Ashura has arrived,
The night of mourning has arrived.
The air is filled with cries and wails,
As the lovers of Hussain mourn and bewail.
The earth is stained with blood,
As the martyrs of Karbala lay in the mud.
The women of the Prophet’s family,
Are left alone and in agony.
Their veils have been torn,
Their dignity has been forlorn.
Oh Hussain, your head was severed,
And your body was left unsheltered.
Your companions were slaughtered,
And their bodies were left scattered.
Your sister’s veil was snatched,
And your baby’s throat was slashed.
Oh Karbala, you witnessed the greatest tragedy,
And your sands are soaked in the blood of the martyrs of bravery.
Oh Yazid, what have you done?
You have killed the grandson of the Prophet, the chosen one.
The night of Ashura has arrived,
The night of mourning has arrived.
May Allah grant us the strength to bear this pain,
And may He hasten the return of the Mahdi, who will avenge Hussain.
O Allah, send your grace, honour and mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad ·
Impressions, Perceptions and Views. 
Though the number of Shias in India is comparatively is small yet the tenth day of Muharram is a national holiday.
It is sad that the history of Islam is full of bloodshed and taking women of the vanquished were taken as slaves. The problem started with the issue of choosing a successor caliph. May be Guru Gobind Singh understood the problem of succession and said that their Guru would be the Guru Granth Sahib.
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Thank you. India is great country mainly because of the consideration and respect for the minorities over the ages. The Christians, Jews, Parsis, and the Muslims have made it their home here after leaving their countries. They have practised their customs and religions with freedom and the rulers have accepted the significance and importance of the days which are so near and dear to them. The events in Muharram are the glaring example for the entire humanity of sacrificing for truth, justice, values, virtues and principles.
As far as the issue of succession is concerned, the Prophet (PBUH) has clearly and unequivocally mentioned in Sermons before the gathering of his followers “I leave behind these two to guide you on my demise; the Holy Quran and Ahlul Bait (Prophet’s family).”
As far as Shias are concerned the succession lineage was firm and clear. They have no doubt nor any confusion about it. It was his close associates who ignored and followed a different path.
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I only have a wish. These two main sects of Islam have common beliefs and reverence for Nabi and the Holy Quran. Isn’t there a way and time that the two bury the hatchet and come together ?
🙏
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Ah! Stating the cliche, “If only wishes were horses.”
Thirty years after the demise of the Prophet (PBUH), the Quran though it remained unchanged but the Ummayads totally ignored its basic tenets and practised that was forbidden. Their influence continues to this day in majority Muslim countries. The Shia countries can not accept this.
Not possible Sir!
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Allah is all forgiving. To my understanding the division arose from political power that claimed copyright over the simple grand message of Islam. Peace. Rulers of countries on either side of the divide continue the claim. Religious leaders too derive their dominance in perpetuating the divide. Hand maidens of politics.
Of course happened in History with all organised religions.
The question to be raised in some forum like OIC :Is reconciliation or rapprochement desirable ? If the answer is Yes then some kind of road map.In the interest of Islam and the world.
In our country the Constitution was a revolutionary bold step to mandate keeping religion out of governance/ politics.Alas being subverted.
Two pennies !
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Your reading of the crisis is on the right lines. Ultimately it is to gain power and supremacy and reliigion is the most easiest and handy tool/weapon to use to achieve them.
My take is that unless there is a democratic governance in a country the misuse of reigion will continue by kings and dictators using the clergy.
Not possible in present environment.
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