Words Tasneem P.
Photograph Tasneem J. (instagram: tjphotography53)
Tasneem ben resides in Houston, Texas. She was a practicing lawyer, who decided to stop to take on the challenge of raising 5 girls. After doing this for 23 years, she says it is truly the most rewarding career ever. She’s been working with her husband to set up 5 clinics and helps manage his pediatric practice.
Her most prized possessions are her 5 daughters. To one day see them grow into women of substance to serve not just mumineen, but humanity at large, implementing the values and morals that Maula has instilled in us.
“Nothing can scare me,” she says, “I have raised 5 daughters!”
With 35 years of going for Ashara, you can call me a seasoned player.
The first Ashara (Masjid Al Anwar, Cairo, Egypt) holds a special treasured memory in my heart and it only seems like yesterday it happened. I vividly recall the splendor of the masjid that our beloved Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA renovated and restored to perfection- as it was when originally constructed by Imam Hakim Be Amrillah. With the ilham and taeed of Imamuz Zaman, Maula revealed another shaan and set a precedent where approximately ten thousand mumineen gathered from all over the world, from different walks of life. Professionals, businessmen, students, all with one common intention- to revere the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and mourn the ultimate sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S.) with none other than the Dai of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
Barakaat and prosperity followed in abundance. Mumineen from different countries would urge Maula to perform Ashara on their soil and let them be the recipients of this nemat for they were convinced and were absolutely sure that once Maula performed Ashara, for generations and generations thereafter they would reap the fruits. Each year went by. Maula graced different parts of the world with his pious presence and the members of the community flocked in larger and larger numbers to respond to the call of Ya Hussain, and to hear in the words of the ultimate spiritual authority, Syedna Al Muqaddas Mohammed Burhanuddin- the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
Why did I go? To be in the revered and awed presence of Maula. Listening to his voice. The voice of pain and passion. especially on the day of Ashura, despite doing lagan. Listen as Maula narrated the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and Ahle Bait. It made me shiver and tears flowed uncontrollably together with other mumineen. The uproar that compelled my hands to do matam with a strength and fervor that I never knew existed in me. After the culmination of the ten day period, I would return with a renewed sense of vigor and energy. I felt purified as if Maula had wiped off all my sins. I felt like a new born baby about to begin my life. The peace and tranquility I attained was something I could not convey to anybody.
For me this beginning of the Islamic calendar year is of vital significance. I am absolutely convinced that the bounties that I receive are manifold. It is like a magic potion that keeps me going on till the next Ashara. When I hear the discourses it exemplifies the truth. So many of my questions are answered. My grief, my sorrow, my worries are dispelled. I come back rejuvenated to face the challenges that this complex world is going to roll out and am fortified to accept the diverse things going around me with serenity, calmness and a sense of maturity that I have acquired through attending these sermons.
Once again with the ilhaam and taeed of Imam uz Zaman (AS), Maula (TUS) has chosen Dar es Salaam, je ni Arabi ma mana che:
An Abode of Peace
Here, once again, Maula TUS will shower us with naymat that will bring peace, prosperity and success in our lives.
Go forth mumin! Listen to what Al Dai el Fatemi, Syedna Aaliqadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb TUS beckons you to. Express your grief and tears in the memory of Imam Husain (AS) and attain your place in this world and hereafter.
Khuda TA Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Maula TUS ni umre sharif ne taroze qayamat daraz karjo! Ameen!
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