Dear Mo’mineen and Mo’minaat.
Assalamu Alaikum.
 
“Hussain is the lamp of guidance and the ship of salvation” – Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww)
 
In the coming days, a new Islamic year begins with Muharram, the month of jihad, martyrdom, freedom and revolution. Muharram is the month in which the grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Imam Hussain (a), sacrificed his family, companions and life for the cause of true freedom and justice.
 
After the death of Muawiyah ibn Abi-Sufyan, Yazid ibn Muawiyah took control of the Muslim government and introduced himself as the deputy of the Holy Prophet (s). Despite his apparent disregard for the tenets of Islam, Yazid demanded allegiance from religious and political personalities. Yazid sought allegiance from Imam Hussain (a), the third infallible Imam. Imam Hussain (a) refused and took a stand.
 
Imam Hussain (a) departed Madinah and headed toward Iraq to expose Yazid as an oppressive criminal, defend Islam and rectify Yazid's false claims to the leadership of the Holy Prophet (s). Imam Hussain (a) rose to re-establish Islam's pure and just leadership.
 
On the 10th day (ashoora) of Moharram 61 A.H., Imam Hussain sacrificed all that he had and in the process demolished the foundation of oppression. Consequently, today the name of Imam Hussain (a) and the memory of Karbala are symbols of truth and justice, while Yazid symbolizes the end awaiting all oppressors.
 
When Karbala becomes alive annually, millions of freedom and justice seekers prepare to follow the path of Imam Hussain (as). Today this movement inspires global uprisings against oppression. The victory of the Islamic Revolution through adherence to a just Leadership is a clear example of the role Karbala can play to build the foundations of a successful society. Revolutionary movements around the world should remember this key lesson.
 
Karbala is also as an example for all the movements that are taking place in the world for social and political justice. The followers of this path have achieved numerous victories.. The revolution continues as people become aware and speak truth to power. Their greatest drawback is the lack of obedience to the central leadership. We hope that followers of the path of Imam Hussain (as) in North America will play a greater role in their society this year to introduce the true path of freedom.
 
We pray that the followers of Imam Hussain (as) in North America will play a greater role in their societies this Muharram to introduce Divine teachings and the path of freedom to their communities. We extend our condolences to the Imam of our time (atfs), the Leader, Maraj’een and to all Momineen and Mominat for the martyrdom of the leader of the freedom lovers - Imam Hussain (as), his holy family and his great companions. 
Wassalam
 
Ghulam H Shabbiri
Chairman, Board of Trustees - Muslim Congress