The delegation of seminary teachers and researchers sent by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi to set up his Bi'thah during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage will commence work on Monday Khordad 30th [Dhelqa'dah 20th, 1443 Ah.].

The Imam assumed the divinely appointed position of Imamah in the year 148, when his father was martyred, making him the seventh Shiite Imam. He himself was martyred in either the year 183 Hijri or 186 Hijri.

We must emphasize the important, strategic fact that we have never submitted to the pressures exerted upon us by the arrogant superpowers, nor will we submit to them in the future. Through the blessings of the Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been transformed in to an example of what is possible. Other nations, including those of Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, as well as many others have in turn rejected the pressures of the Global superpowers and they have decided to stand up to America and the Zionist Regime.

The issue of Wilāyah is one of the most important of precepts. The reason behind its importance can be found in a statement made by Imam Ali (ʿa) where he said that Wilāyah guarantees the implementation of other Islamic precepts.

The lecturers and students of the religious seminary can utilize the teachings of Imam al-Hadi (ʿa) in helping the people resolve their various ideological questions and doubts. Unfortunately, Imam al-Hadi (ʿa) has not been remembered like the other Imams (ʿa), nor have his teachings been given the attention that they truly deserve. We must do our best to remedy this shortcoming in ourselves and our institutions.

The supplication of ʿArafah must be recited with a full heartfelt presence and with complete understanding of its content. One must reflect on the deeper meaning of its various teachings and benefit from the blessings of this great day.

One of the main problems facing humanity during our time period is that of the oppressive superpowers and their destructive goals and policies. The aim of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) was nothing but fighting against these oppressive and tyrannical powers.

There is no doubt that Imam al-Hasan (ʿa) possessed so many positive and noble characteristics that he was truly befitting of his name ‘Hasan’. We hope that we can also follow in his footsteps and become more like him as well.

Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) performed his prayers in congregation even on the day of Ashura. This shows us that the prayers must be performed even in the most extreme and difficult of condition. Thus, in order to highlight this lesson and show its importance, it is very important that we offer the Noon Prayer of the day of Ashura in congregation.

Reviving the name and memory of these great men is something which gives inspiration and it furthermore gives human beings a spirit of self-sacrifice.

The mourning ceremonies must be held in a way where all the people are made aware of the goals of Imam al-Husayn(ʿa). The methods which are used in these ceremonies must be in line with the guidelines of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) and the rest of the Infallibles (ʿa), as well as the common practice of the wise members of the Muslim community.

Various moments in the history of Karbala have shown us how we should live an honorable life and how we should die an honorable death. These are the same lessons which Imam al-Husayn(ʿa) taught the world at the Battlefield of Karbala on the Day of Ashura.

The combination of the proper affections for Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) alongside the necessary knowledge and understanding of the purposes behind Imam al-Husayn (ʿa)’s uprising are two necessary aspects of the establishment of proper mourning. The mourning ceremonies must be held with ever increasing levels of grandeur and perfection every year and we must be careful not to engage in any actions which will tarnish the grandeur of these ceremonies.

The martyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) was so intertwined with various lofty values that it will never become old, nor will its values ever become outdated. Not only that, but Karbala and the sacrifice of Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) grows in value and relevance every single day.

One can only claim that they love Imam al-Husayn (ʿa) and are among his true followers when they have reflected upon the various corruption and problems which exist during their own time period and they have done their best towards reforming these issues. Without any doubt, if the mourners of Imam al-Ḥusayn (ʿa) make a logical and calculated decision together towards fighting the corruption which exists in their society, they will be successful in reforming it.

Ashura is not merely an incident which happened in the past, but rather, it is a reality which continues to this very day.