Hujjat al-Islam Wal-Muslimeen Sayed Abdul Saheb Al-Khoei, Secretary General of Al-Khoei Foundation and son of the late Grand Ayatollah Al-Khoei was keen to put the emphasis on the lessons of Muharram, especially when in reference to non-Muslim countries.
He noted: “That [is so]. And whoever honours the symbols of Allah – indeed, it is from the piety of hearts” Holy Quran 22:32, and at the same time spread the knowledge of Ahlulbayt and their message of love, mercy and freedom.
The Secretary General of Al-Khoei Foundation also stressed on the significance of Karbala as it demonstrated the stance of Imam Hussain for truth, justice and moderation. It is crucial that we use this holy month to communicate the same teachings both to the younger generation in our communities and also to the non-Muslims that follow the commemoration of Ashura.”
Al-Khoei also mentioned that Imam Hussain’s journey to Karbala with his close family and companions was not due to political power struggles but to bring reform and preserve the true religion that was revealed to his grandfather Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). It is therefore fundamental that when we commemorate Muharram in Europe and the West, we take into account the cultural norms of these societies and the image we will be portraying of our religion. We should commemorate in a manner that preserves the true message of Islam and we should refrain from engaging in behaviour or actions that may be misunderstood and abused.
Sayed Abdul Saheb Al-Khoei noted that Al-Khoei Foundation in London has organised for separate programmes in English, Arabic and Farsi languages. Similar programmes will be held in other branches of the Foundation in Manchester, Swansea, New York, Paris, Montreal, Islamabad, Mumbai and Thailand.