Azadari or mourning procession is a ritual in which a group of people mourn over Imam Hussain (as) and his followers who were martyred with him in Karbala, Iraq in 61 HJ. Azadari is held with recitation of elegies (Noha Khuwani) and chest-beating. Such processions or azadari are held in different countries like Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, India, Syria and Nigeria. With the passage of time people around the globe has started azadari in countries like USA, UK, Australia and others.
Many hadiths and sayings are found in the books regarding azadari. Holy Prophet PBUH himself was the first to mourn over the tragedy of Karbala when Hazrat Jibrail acknowledged him about it at the time of birth of Imam Hussain as. Since then Holy Prophet PBUH narrated many sayings regarding Imam Hussain as and azadari. Along with him other Aima(as) also narrated hadiths and sayings about azadari and acknowledged the people about its dignity.
1. The Inferno of Hussaini Love
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said,
“Surely, there exist in the hearts of the momineen, with respect to the martyrdom of Hussain (as), a heat that never subsides.”
Mustadrak al‑Wasail vol 10 pg. 318
2. Ashura – Day of Grief
Imam Ali ibn Musa Al-Raza as said,
“The one for whom the day of Ashura is a day of tragedy, grief and weeping, Allah The Mighty, The glorious, shall make the Day of Judgment, a day of joy and happiness for him.”
Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 44, pg. 284
3. Muharram, The Mourning Month
Imam Ali ibn Musa Al-Raza as said,
“With the advent of the month of Muharram, my father Imam Kadhim (A.S.) would never be seen laughing; gloom and sadness would overcome him for (the first) ten days of the month; and when the tenth day of the month would dawn, it would be a day of tragedy, grief and weeping for him.”
Amaali Saduq, pg. 111
4. Laughing Eyes
The Holy Prophet (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 Husayn (A.S.) for surely, that eye shall be laughing and shall be given the glad tidings of the bounties and comforts of Paradise.”
Bihar-ul Anwar, vol. 44, pg. 193
5. Reward of Martyred Companions
Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Raza (as) said,
“If you desire that for you be the reward equivalent to that of those martyred along with Husayn (A.S.), then whenever you remember them say: ‘Oh! Would That I had been with them! A great achievement would I have achieved’.”
Wasail al-Shia, vol. 14, pg. 501
6. The Customary Mourning
Abu Haroon al-Makhoof said,
“I presented myself before Imam Sadiq (as) whereupon he said to me: “Recite for me poetry” and so I Recited for him. He said “Not in this manner. Recite for me as you recite poems and elegies over the grave of Hussain (as)” and so I recited for him (again).”
Bihar ul-Anwar, vol. 44, pg, 287
7. Reward for Reciting Poetry about Hussain (as)
Imam Jaffar Sadiq (as) said,
“There is none who recites poetry about Husayn (A.S.) and weeps and makes others weep by means of it, except that Allah makes Paradise incumbent upon him and forgives his sins.”
Rijal al-Sheikh al-Tusi, pg. 189
8. People of Eulogies and Elegies
Imam Jaffar Sadiq (as) said,
“All praise is for Allah, who has placed amongst the people, those who arrive in our presence, eulogizing and reciting elegies about us.”
Wasail al-Shia, vol. 10, pg. 469
9. Poetry Recitation during the Period of Mourning
Imam Ali ibn Musa Al-Raza (as) said to Debil (Famous poet devoted to Ahl-e Bait as),
“I desire that you recite for me poetry, for surely, these days (of the month of Muharram) are the days of grief and sorrow, which have passed over us, Ahl e Bayt”
Mustadrak al-Wasail, vol. 10, pg. 286
10. Shiites, The companions and Associates
Imam Ali ibn Abi-Talib (as) said,
“Surely, Allah has chosen for us followers (Shiites), who assist us and are happy at our happiness andare sad in our sadness.”
Ghuraral Hikam vol. 1, pg. 135
Conclusion
This article includes 10 hadiths regarding azadari. We have many more hadiths narrated, which are available in different books. We will cover those hadiths in upcoming articles. These hadiths raise our belief and dignity level upon the azadari of Imam Hussain (as). It encourages the momineen to held processions and visits Karbala to mourn over the oppression which was conducted on Imam Hussain (as) and his companions in Karbala in 61 HJ. (Hadiths Source)
