The term Azadari has been exclusively used in connection with
the remembrance ceremonies for the martyrdom of Imam Hussayn (a.s.).
An integral part of Azadari is the recitation of Nohas and Marsiyas,
poetry that laments the tragedy of Karbala and the subsequent
imprisonment and mistreatment of the Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.)
Household (a.s.).
Poets have written about the tragedy of Karbala since time immemorial,
and indeed Imam Jaffer Sadiq (a.s.) was quoted as saying he was
pleased when he heard the recitations commemorating the martyrdom
of his great grand-father. And today poets continue to write about
the Tragic Events of Karbala, and reciters continue to recite
the events of the tragedy and the atrocities inflicted on the
House of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.). “Karbala” is commemorated
in all parts of the world, in all languages, in various different
cultures and in various forms, from narrations to enactments.
Maatam, or Latmiya, is a very strong element of Azadari. Mourning
is a personal thing, but the miracle of Karbala is that the mourning
for Imam Hussayn (a.s.) transcends languages, traditions and cultures.
“Oh you who cry for Imam Hussayn (a.s.), do you feel the
anguish and the pain?
When you hear the tale of Karbala, and the sacrifice of Fatima,
This majlis will never die, for Hussayn we will always cry”
Abdul Virji 1995
Please recite Sura-e-Fateha for all the Shohada of Karbala (a.s.)
and for all marhumeen.
