The World Federation of KSIMC

INTERFAITH WEBINAR REPORT

THE REAL “BEAUTY” SEEN IN ARBAEEN WITHOUT RELIGIOUS BOUNDARIES 

On Saturday 03rd October 2020, The World Federation of KSIMC in collaboration with the Imam Al-Redha (a) Shrine organised an Interfaith Webinar titled The Real “Beauty” seen in Arbaeen without Religious Boundaries to commemorate the day of Arbaeen – The Fortieth Day after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a).

The main objective of the webinar was to discuss Imam Husayn (a) as a role model for all of humanity and to highlight His representation of faith in its primal function; to serve God, uphold the truth, serve humanity and uphold justice. 

While the commemoration of Arbaeen is a distinctively Shi’a spiritual exercise, people from other Religious denominations also partake in both the pilgrimage as well as the serving of devotees. This is remarkable given the exclusive nature of religious rituals, and it could only mean one thing: people regardless of colour or creed see Imam Husayn (a) as a universal, borderless, and meta-religious symbol of freedom and compassion.

Our esteemed and world-renowned panel consisted of:  

Speakers:

· Dr. Amina Inloes (Host/moderator, Lecturer at Islamic Collage in London and Public Speaker)

· Hajj Shaykh Hassanain Rajabali (World-renowned speaker and Lecturer) 

· Shri Acharya Pramod Krishnam (Spiritual Leader of the Brahmin Hindu community) 

· Father Christopher Paul Clohessy (Catholic Priest, author of "Half of my Heart, the narratives of Zaynab, daughter of Ali") 

During this live show the panel will discuss Imam Al-Husayn (as) as a role model for all of humanity. He represents faith in its primal function; to serve God, uphold the Truth, serve Humanity and uphold justice. While the commemoration of Arbaeen is a distinctively Shi’a spiritual exercise, people from other religious denominations also partake in both the pilgrimage as well as the serving of devotees. This is remarkable given the exclusive nature of religious rituals, and it could only mean one thing: people regardless of colour or creed see Al-Husayn (as) as a universal, borderless, and meta-religious symbol of freedom and compassion. 

The effect and impact of the sacrifice of Imam Husayn (a) is obvious just looking at the diversity amongst the speakers and yet further manifested when you hear them speak with love and reverence for the beautiful personalities we commemorate. 

Hajj Shaykh Hassanain Rajabali quoted in one of his points that,  "I must say that the blood of Imam Husayn (a) is keeping the world alive and I must say it is the blood of Imam Husayn (a) that will break the shackles of hegemony and tyranny in the world, for you go ask the world leaders today who have the most sophisticated weaponry and the most powerful means of monitoring the human race that if there is one thing they fear, it is this love and spirit of Imam Husayn (a) for it irks them as Qur'an says it will annoy them for that truth will penetrate and it shall become the victory as God says, It is our desire to make you the oppressed the inheritors and the leaders, just as in the old testament the meek shall inherit the earth and we find that this is a very promise that God will fulfil and I believe the spirit of bringing this promise through fruition is through the Blood of martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a) and all those in the world who have followed the same prescription regardless of what faith they belong to."

Shri Acharya Pramod Krishnam expressed his thoughts about Imam Husayn (a) by mentioning that, "If Husayn belonged to just one religion then why would I exist among you because I am a Hindu religious Guru, I am not a Muslim nor do I belong to Iran, Iraq or Arabia but I do not hesitate to say that I am Husayni because the name of Love is Husayn, the name of Khidmat is Husayn, the name of Shahadat is Husayn and the name of worship, devotion and Ibadat is Husayn. This means that being a Husaini does not belong to any one religion but belongs to the entire humanity... If I say briefly, I can say that the name of hate cannot be religion, the name of love and faith is religion and this is the religion of air, of water, this is the religion of earth and sky and this is the religion of Husayn who lived for others and who died for others. He was the Truth, He is the Truth and He will always be the Truth."

Father Christopher Paul Clohessy discussed about Sayyida Zainab (sa) as an embodiment of peace and justice and commented that, "For me, Lady Zainab is a remarkable model for peace on that level that peace is not about politicians doing their job, peace is about human beings living by the values that have been given to us from above however we have received those values and for me Lady Zainab and of course her brother Al-Husayn, these are not people who happen just by chance. These are people who are raised by Divine Power and this Divine Power has raised up men and women like this in every generation and as I can never tire of saying Lady Zainab, Al-Husayn like so many others, they cross all borders, all the boundaries that we have set up because we build the walls, we build the walls between religion, we build the walls between countries and cultures and languages and then they come along and they straddle these walls with a foot in each place."

The webinar was streamed live through The World Federation’s YouTube channel. It was very well received by the audience and was also broadcasted on Ahlulbayt TV Sky Channel 787 on Saturday 10th October 2020. 

So far, the YouTube live stream has received more than 2500 views, over 80 likes and numerous live chats as well as regular comments. 

After The World Federation ExCo meetings, this is the most viewed programme amongst all live streams from the channel.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE