User:Lucknow azadari

LUCKNOW AZADARI
' The words AZADARI and MAJLIS-E-AZA has been exclusively used in connection with the remembrance ceremonies for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.). Majalis-e Aza, also known as Aza-e Husayn, includes mourning congregations, lamentations, matam and all such actions which express the emotions of grief and above all, repulsion against what Yazid (L.A.) stood for. '

''The term MAJLIS has both a grammatical meaning and a meaning which relates to Aza-e-Hussain (A.S.). In its technical sense, a majalis is a meeting, a session or a gathering.''

The Azadari of Muharram was started by the family of Muhammad (the Ahl-ul-Bayt) after the death of Muhammad's grandson Hussain ibn Ali (A.S.) at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Following the battle of Karbala, Muhammad's granddaughter Zaynab binte Ali (A.S.) and sister of Hussain (A.S.), began mourning for the fallen and making speeches against Hussain ibn Ali's opponents: Ibn Ziyad(L.A.) and Yazid (L.A.). News of Hussain ibn Ali's death was also spread by Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (A.S.), who succeeded Hussain (A.S.)as the Shia Imam, via sermons and speeches throughout Iraq, Syria and Hejaz.

Zainab (A.S.)and Zainu l-Abi Din(A.S.) informed the people that Yazid (L.A.)had martyred Imam Hussain (A.S.) and seventy-two of his companions including his six month old son Ali Asghar (A.S.), and that their women and children were taken as prisoners to Syria. When word of mourning reached Yazid(L.A.) he decided to release the captive women and children from the prison in Damascus, out of fear of public revolt against his rule. He sent for Zainul-Abi Din (A.S.), informed him of the impending release and asked if he wished for anything further. Zainul-Abi Din (A.S.) said he would consult with Zainab (A.S.). She asked Yazid(L.A.) to provide a place where the people could mourn for Imam Hussain (A.S.) and others of Muhammad's household. A house was provided, and here Zaynab binte Ali (A.S.) held the first Majlis-e Aza of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and started the Mourning of Muharram. Lucknow is known as a seat of Shi'ism and the epitome of Shia culture in India. Muharram which is observed in Lucknow is famous worldwide. The processions of Muharram in Lucknow have a special significance. They were started during the reign of the Awadh Nawabs. The Majalises, processions and other rituals that are observed by the Shia community to commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S.) are known as Azadari. The processions like Shahi Zarih, Jaloos-e-Mehndi, Alam-e-Ashura and that of Chup Tazia have special significance for Shia community, which are taken out with great religious zeal and fervour.

Hadiths
Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) Said :

Surely, there exists in the hearts of the Mu'mineen, with respect to the martyrdom of Hussain, a heat that never subsides.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

O Fatimah! Every eye shall be weeping on the Day of Judgment except the eye which has shed tears over the tragedy of Hussain for surely, that eye shall be laughing and shall be given the glad tidings of the bounties and comforts of Paradise.

Ali ibn Hussein (A.S.) said:

Every Mu'min, whose eyes shed tears upon the killing of Husayn ibn' Ali and his companions, such that the tears roll down his cheeks, God shall accommodate him in the elevated rooms of paradise.

Imam Ali (A.S.) said to Ibn Abbas:

(Once when he happened to pass by Karbala), Isa (Jesus) sat down and began to weep. His disciples who were observing him, followed suit and began weeping too, but not comprehending the reason for this behaviour, they asked him: "O' Spirit of God! What is it that makes you weep?" Isa (Jesus) said: "Do you know what land this is?" The disciples replied: "No." He then said: "This is the land on which the son of the Prophet Ahmad shall be killed.