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• 29 Thul-Hijja

General Recommendations for Administrators of Islamic Centres, Husayniyyahs, and Mawkibs on the Occasion of the Arrival of the Sacred Month of Muharram 1448 AH

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

The Imam Ali Foundation (London), together with the Office of Liaison to His Eminence Grand Ayatollah al-Sayyid al-Sistani (may his shadow endure), has issued a number of important recommendations that administrators of Islamic centres, Husayniyyahs, and Mawkibs should observe in harmony with the mission and uprising of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him). The text of these recommendations is as follows:
The sacred month of Muharram is among the greatest spiritual seasons experienced by the Muslim Ummah. During this month, the blessed memory of the Husayni movement is renewed—a movement that preserved Islam and revived the values of truth, justice, and human dignity.
While Husayni gatherings and religious lectures represent an important aspect of commemorating this occasion, Husayni Mawkibs, Islamic centres, and Husayniyyahs likewise constitute a fundamental pillar in preserving religious identity and deepening attachment to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), especially within Western societies where Muslim minorities live amidst diverse cultural, intellectual, and social challenges.
The responsibility borne by those who manage these institutions in the West is arguably greater than that of their counterparts in Muslim countries, because these institutions do not merely serve to revive religious rituals; they simultaneously function as mosques, schools, cultural centres, social hubs, and family support networks. Hence, there is a need for a number of recommendations and guidelines that should be kept in mind when welcoming this great season.

First: Recognising the Sacredness of Serving Imam Husayn (peace be upon him)
The first thing that organisers of Mawkibs and administrators of centres and Husayniyyahs should remember is that serving Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) is a tremendous honour and a divine blessing before it is an organisational responsibility.
Throughout history, the servants of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) have occupied a special place in the hearts of believers because they contribute to preserving the sacred symbols that Allah has commanded to be honoured. Allah, the Exalted, says: "Whoever honours the symbols of Allah, indeed it is from the piety of hearts."
When a person realises that what he is doing is service to the religion of Allah, to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), and to his purified household, he will perform his duties with sincerity, dedication, and a spirit of devotion.

Second: Preserving the Unity of Believers
One of the greatest dangers facing Husayni work in the West is the emergence of unhealthy competition or disputes among institutions and Mawkibs.
Believing communities in the West are often relatively small compared to major Muslim societies. Therefore, any division directly affects their ability to preserve and transmit their religious identity to future generations.
For this reason, the guiding principle should be cooperation rather than competition, integration rather than conflict, prioritising the Husayni cause over personal interests, and respecting all those who serve the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) is far greater than to be confined to a single institution, Mawkib, or organisation; rather, he belongs to the entire Ummah.

Third: Focusing on the New Generation
The greatest challenge facing Islamic centres in the West is maintaining the connection of children and grandchildren to religion and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
Many children and young people are born and raised in environments whose language and culture differ from those of their parents.
Accordingly, Islamic centres and Husayniyyahs should dedicate meaningful programmes to these age groups, including:
* Simplified lessons in Islamic beliefs.
* Educational and cultural activities.
* Interactive programmes suitable for different age groups.
* Ashura competitions and events.
* Qur'an study circles.
* Programmes delivered in the local language.
Our success in conveying the message of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) to the younger generation is the true guarantee of the continuity of these sacred traditions in the future.

Fourth: Ensuring Proper Organisation of Religious Rituals
The more organised Husayni rituals are, the greater their impact becomes.
It is important that gatherings and processions reflect a civilised and well-organised image of the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
This includes:
* Respecting schedules and timings.
* Effective programme management.
* Providing a comfortable environment for attendees.
* Maintaining cleanliness and order.
* Observing local laws and regulations.
Disorder does not serve the rituals, whereas organisation reflects the lofty values of Islam.

Fifth: Presenting the Correct Image of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him)
In the West, the audience of Husayni commemorations is not limited to Muslims. Neighbours, media representatives, and followers of other faiths may also observe these activities.
Therefore, the message presented should clearly demonstrate that Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) represents:
* The defence of truth.
* Resistance to oppression.
* Support for the oppressed.
* Social reform.
* Universal human values.
For many people, their first introduction to Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) may come through an event organised by a Husayniyyah, Mawkib, or Islamic centre.

Sixth: Giving Attention to the Local Language
One mistake made by some institutions is restricting their activities to the language of the first generation of immigrants.
New generations require programmes and content delivered in a language they understand and with which they can meaningfully engage.
Therefore, institutions should:
* Provide appropriate translation services.
* Organise lectures in the local language.
* Publish introductory and educational materials.
* Utilise social media platforms effectively.
The objective is not merely to hold activities but to communicate the message to the widest possible audience.

Seventh: Caring for the Social Dimension
Islamic centres and Husayniyyahs are not merely venues for gatherings; they are homes for believers.
Accordingly, they should pay attention to:
* Supporting families in need.
* Visiting and assisting the sick and elderly.
* Supporting students and young people.
* Welcoming newcomers.
* Assisting in resolving family and social issues.
A strong believing community is one whose members feel that they are one family united by their love of Allah and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

Eighth: Promoting a Culture of Volunteering
One of the greatest blessings of Mawkibs and Husayniyyahs is that they cultivate generosity and service to others among believers.
It is appropriate to involve different segments of the community in volunteer work, particularly youth and young people.
Participation in organising gatherings, serving attendees, and preparing programmes instils a sense of responsibility and belonging while practically connecting future generations to the Husayni cause.

Ninth: Making Use of Modern Media
Today's world has become increasingly interconnected, and Islamic centres can now reach thousands of people beyond the boundaries of their city or country.
Accordingly, institutions should:
* Broadcast gatherings and lectures.
* Produce concise educational and introductory materials.
* Share beneficial content through digital platforms.
* Professionally document and showcase their activities.
A short message shared online may become the means of guiding a person or strengthening a young believer's connection to faith.

Tenth: Keeping the Objectives of the Husayni Movement in Mind
All programmes and activities should remain connected to the fundamental objectives of Ashura.
Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) did not rise for the sake of empty rituals or formalities; rather, he rose to revive religion, reform the community, uphold virtue, and combat wrongdoing.
Accordingly, the success of Mawkibs and centres should not be measured solely by attendance numbers or the scale of activities, but by the extent to which they:
* Increase faith.
* Spread awareness.
* Strengthen moral values.
* Support family life.
* Serve society.
* Deepen loyalty to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
We ask Allah, the Almighty, to grant success to all those who serve Imam Husayn (peace be upon him), to bless their efforts and endeavours, and to include them among those honoured by the prayers and intercession of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) on the Day of Judgment.
Peace be upon Husayn, and upon Ali ibn al-Husayn, and upon the children of Husayn, and upon the companions of Husayn.