Ijtihad Network Being Wise and Faithful Muslim in the Contemporary World
The month of Muḥarram is not merely a historical occasion that passes by the Muslim Ummah—it is a season for the revival of consciousness and the awakening of the Islamic conscience. It is in this sacred month that the oppression suffered by the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) is most vividly remembered, and with it, the responsibility of the Ummah to carry forth the authentic Muhammadan message is renewed.
On the occasion of the approaching month of Muharram, the Imam Ali Foundation has issued the following guidelines and advice to our Preachers and Lecturers of the Husayni Minbar:
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad and his pure and immaculate family.
Imam al-Ṣādiq (peace be upon him) said to Faḍīl ibn Yasār:
“Do you gather and speak with one another?” He replied, “Yes.” The Imam said, “Verily, I love those gatherings. So revive our cause—may God have mercy on whoever revives our cause.”
The month of Muḥarram is not merely a historical occasion that passes by the Muslim Ummah—it is a season for the revival of consciousness and the awakening of the Islamic conscience. It is in this sacred month that the oppression suffered by the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) is most vividly remembered, and with it, the responsibility of the Ummah to carry forth the authentic Muhammadan message is renewed.
In this context, the role of preachers and religious speakers becomes particularly weighty. The hearts and minds of the people turn to them, seeking enlightening words, edifying sermons, and the pure biography of the noble ones. Therefore, a moment of contemplation is needed before entering this season, in which we draw inspiration from the guidance of the immaculate Imams (peace be upon them), so that we may present a discourse worthy of the Husayni revolution and attuned to the intellectual and cultural challenges of our time.
Below are a set of recommendations and instructions that preachers and religious guides are encouraged to reflect upon and adhere to during this sacred month:
1. Renewing Intentions and Purifying Motives
The preacher must internalize that the pulpit of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) is a divine trust, a continuation of his sacred mission. Ascending it must not be driven by a desire for fame, ostentation, or self-promotion, but rather by sincere intention to spread religion and call to truth.
Imam al-Ṣādiq (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever seeks this matter (of preaching) to gain something of this world shall have no share in the Hereafter.”
The more sincere the intention, the more God opens the doors of success, granting the preacher influence over hearts and making his words a beacon of guidance.
2. Upholding Scholarly Rigor and Authentic Research
The pulpit of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) is not a space for mere oration or raw emotion. It is a platform of knowledge and guidance. As such, speeches must be founded upon authentic scholarship and documented sources. Historical events must be cited from credible references, and narrations should be verified—whether by the authenticity of their chains, their widespread acceptance, or their alignment with the principles of faith.
Superstitions, fabricated reports, and exaggerations that distort the image of the Husayni uprising should be avoided, as they serve as fodder for the enemies of the Shia to criticize the faith. Truthfulness in narration, precision in expression, and respect for the image of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) are among the highest forms of loyalty to them.
3. Highlighting the Prophetic Mission of the Husayni Movement
The orator should emphasize the divine and reformative objectives of Imam al-Ḥusayn’s revolution. His movement was not driven by vengeance or a pursuit of power, but by the goal of reviving religion, confronting deviation, and establishing justice.
He (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, I did not rise up in revolt for the sake of tyranny or arrogance. Rather, I rose to seek reform in the nation of my grandfather Mu ḥ ammad (peace be upon him and his family).”
The audience must be guided to view Imam al-Ḥusayn as a God-appointed leader with a comprehensive reform project, and to understand that true Shia identity is found in embracing and working to fulfill this vision in the contemporary world.
4. Emphasizing Ethical and Educational Values
Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) did not offer his life and that of his family merely so that we weep for him, but so that we uphold what he sacrificed for: truthfulness, sincerity, altruism, steadfastness, supporting justice, and self-sacrifice.
Thus, preachers must highlight these values and relate them to today’s societal context, illustrating how one can be “Husayni” in conduct, character, and opposition to oppression and corruption.
Community challenges such as backbiting, envy, injustice, ignorance, and family disintegration should be addressed wisely, linking them to the moral imperatives of the Husayni legacy.
5. Engaging the Youth and Connecting Them to the Pulpit
Youth are the vibrant force of the community and its future hope. Preachers must ensure that the pulpit of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) is one that attracts and engages them—not alienates them.
This requires speaking their language, understanding their issues, addressing their existential, moral, and intellectual questions, and confronting the doubts they may face from media or social platforms.
It is beneficial to present the lives of young companions of Imam al-Ḥusayn—like al-Qāsim ibn al-Ḥasan and ʿAlī al-Akbar—as models of purposeful youth, connecting today’s youth with them not only emotionally but also intellectually and behaviorally.
6. Maintaining Respectful and Objective Discourse
Preachers must uphold the ethics of speech. The pulpit must never be used to insult, curse, or declare others infidels. Such approaches are contrary to the refined manners of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), who said: “Be an adornment to us, not a disgrace.”
Presenting doctrinal truths and responding to misconceptions is commendable, but this must be done in a scholarly and composed manner—free of inflammatory rhetoric—so that the goal remains guiding the audience, not repelling them.
7. Reinforcing the Mahdawi Identity
One of the purposes of Ashura is to prepare the way for the just state of Imam al-Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance), for the slogan “O the rights of Ḥ usayn!” finds its true fulfillment in his advent.
Preachers should connect the martyrdom of Imam al-Ḥusayn with the anticipation of Imam al-Mahdi, and clarify that true preparation for his coming lies in adopting the teachings of Karbala, confronting oppression, and building a righteous self and society.
8. Innovating in Content and Delivery
Although the occasion is repeated annually, its meanings are inexhaustible and its treasures ever-renewing. Preachers should refresh their content, avoid monotonous repetition, and—when needed—utilize modern visual aids.
Organizing ideas clearly and mastering the art of public speaking enhances audience engagement and increases the impact of the message.
9. Practicing What Is Preached
The audience not only listens to what is said—they observe who says it. The preacher is seen as a representative of religion; thus, his personal conduct must reflect his message.
He must display piety, good manners, humility, and avoid questionable behavior so that no slip undermines his credibility or the power of his words.
10. The Preacher as a Role Model in Practice
The audiences are not only listen to what speakers say but also, they observe the one who says it. When a preacher ascends the pulpit, he is perceived as a spokesperson for religion. Therefore, his personal behavior must reflect the values he preaches: piety, good character, humility, and avoidance of questionable conduct. One slip or inconsistency between word and action could undermine his credibility and diminish the impact of his message.
Preachers and religious guides must understand that the pulpit of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) is not merely a media platform—it is a divine trust and a continuation of the voice of Ḥusayn. The Ḥusayni preacher is the heir to the guiding word, called upon to proclaim truth, speak with divine guidance, and carry the torch of awareness.
Every preacher must strive to live up to this sacred responsibility and always remember: he speaks to the people in the name of Imam al-Ḥusayn. Let his voice be the voice of truth, his gathering a place of guidance, and his endeavor sincere—seeking only the pleasure of God.
We ask God Almighty to grant success to all preachers and religious guides in fulfilling their mission. May He place Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) firmly in their hearts, just as they implant him in the hearts of the people. And may He make them among the supporters of the Awaited Imam (may God hasten his reappearance), who uphold the message of the family of Muḥammad and prepare the way for the emergence of truth and triumph of justice.
Peace be upon al-Ḥusayn, and upon ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn, and upon the children of al-Ḥusayn, and upon the companions of al-Ḥusayn.
