Remember me when the truth becomes alone ; alone and sad
– Imam Hussain

A ‘’majlis’’ means a  congregation. Shias hold congregations to remember the brutality that the Prophet’s  family had to face on the 10 of muharrum in a land called Karbala.

A typical majlis has two parts :

One where the speaker sends salutations on the Prophet’s family, followed by mourning the oppression that the Prophet’s family had to face.

 The Alam or parcham of Ghazi Abbas- the banner that unites people across the world.  The water bag (mashk) hangs in front of  Alam. This water bag is a symbol of loyalty of the man who reached the river yet didn’t sip as his brother Hussain’s children were thirsty. The events during muharrum, commemorate the fight of a good against evil. Shias mourn the fight of 72 who stood up against Yazid, in the year 680 AD.

Symbolism is a strong feature of the Shia movement.  Almost whole world exhibit  strong symbols associated with the battle of Karbala. These tangible symbols consolidate the memory of the event and eternalise the pain. All 72, including Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad  martyred on 10 Muharrum. The youngest martyr was 6 months old Ali Asgar, the baby of Imam Hussain and Umme Rabab. Hussain’s children were left without water for 3 days from the 7 of Muharram. The Mehndi is set up for Hazat Qasim and Bibi Kubra on 7 Muharram. Women sit around candles and cry remembering Farwa, the mother of the slain groom Qasim.

During Muharrum, the Shia beat chests in protest and pain. Matam is an Arabic and South Asian way of lamenting and mourning. Shab -e -Ashura is the night of 9 muharram, the last night of the martyrs and is spent in praying, and remembering the last moments of the 72. Each mother was preparing her son for martyrdom. The mothers lost their sons in Karbala. For the millions of mothers who lose their young ones, takes motivation from the mothers of Karbala, who are the epitome of patience. The horse of Imam Hussain, Zuljanah is the perfect example of loyalty. Its empty saddle and crying eyes represented that Imam Hussain has been martyred.

Karbala teaches us to stand against oppression, to stand for the voiceless and for justice, to never bow before a tyrant, no matter what the cost. Imam Hussain sacrificed his family in the battle of Karbala. Words cannot do justice in describing the passion, intensity and inspiration these nights give. How can mourning a man from 1400 years ago invoke so much energy ? What difference does crying, and beating one’s own chest make?. These movement is a perfect example of peaceful, non-violent resistance against the statusquo. It teaches some breathtaking tools and mechanisms to protest, resist and fight oppression. Millions of free meals are given in these days. Even poor families set up a fund to save money to serve food to Imam Hussain guests. Just because No one goes hungry.