As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum / Peace be upon you!
Crescent Moon Muharram 1445 AH
We expect the crescent moon for Muharram 1445 AH to be sighted around sunset on Tuesday July 18, 2023. Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, is likely to be the first day of Muharram 1445 A.H subject to the sighting of the crescent moon.
We ask God, the Most High, for success in performing good deeds and to hasten the Return of Our Master, Imam Mahdi (p) as we also pray to God, the Most Merciful, to bring a swift end to the current pandemic and grant a quick recovery to all those afflicted.
Important Islamic Events this Month:
Muharram Jul/Aug Occasion
2 Jul 20 Imam Hussain (p) arrives in Karbala (61 A.H.)
7 Jul 25 Water cut off from Imam Hussain (p) & companions (61 A.H.)
10 Jul 28 Day of Ashura; Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (p) (61 A.H.)
12 Jul 30 Burial of Imam Hussain (p) & companions in Karbala (61 A.H.)
25 Aug 12 Wafat of Imam Ali ibn Hussain (al-Sajjad) (p) (95 A.H.)
Muharram Program at IMAN
Muharram 1445 AH Programs at IMAN Center will be held in person each night starting July 18, 2023, at 7:30 PM and ending on July 28, 2023. For more information please see: https://www.iman-wa.org/events.
Full day Ashura program will take place on Friday July 28, 11:00 AM starting with a'amaal recommended for the Day of Ashura. Ladies majlis for Ashura day will take place at 5:00 PM.
The last program for the initial Muharram series will be Sham-e-ghariban at 9:00 PM on Friday July 28, 2023.
Given recent cases of COVID-19 break out reported to us by some community members, for the safety of all, only those in good health and exhibiting no symptoms may attend in person. Anyone not feeling well can join our live broadcast instead of attending in person. If you are not sure you are well, then please be safe and join the program from home.
Live broadcast link for the program is http://live.iman-wa.org.
Our daily Muharram program will feature Shaykh Mohammad Javad Shomali. His topic of discussion will be: Islam and the Meaning Crisis
About Shaykh Mohammad Javad Shomali
Having studied and taught in the Islamic Seminaries of Iran for almost a decade, Shaykh Mohammad Javad Shomali joined the University of Cambridge, to complete an MPhil and PhD. in Middle Eastern studies. He developed a strong interest for mental health and psychology and this interest brought him back to the University of Cambridge a year after the completion of his PhD. right where he studied Psychotherapy at the faculty of education. Shaykh Mohammad Javad Shomali has researched intersection between psychotherapy and spiritual development.
Daily program schedule:
7:30 PM Open with Qur'an
7:40 PM Marthiya
7:50 PM Community Announcements
8:00 PM Presentation by Shaykh Mohammad Javad Shomali
8:45 PM Lamentation / Matam / Latmiyah
9:15 PM Salaat ul Maghrebain
9:45 PM Conclusion
A special children's/younger youth program will run concurrently 7:30 - 8:45 PM in the south room.
Br. Ali Mansoor Naqvi is looking for more nawha/marthiya reciters. He is willing to teach those interested to recite in any language of their choice. Please contact him or send mail to programs@iman-wa.org.
Sponsors for daily tabarruk are welcome and can e-mail hospitality@iman-wa.org to sign-up.
Muharram 1445 AH Reflection
Muharram holds immense significance for us as it marks a time of remembrance, reflection, and renewal of our faith. It is a month of both mourning and introspection, where we pay homage to the sacrifices of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), and his companions.
As we embark upon this journey in the year 1445 AH, let us take a moment to contemplate the lessons we can draw from Imam Hussain's unparalleled courage and unwavering devotion to justice. His sacrifice at the Battle of Karbala stands as a timeless example of the struggle against oppression and tyranny.
Imam Hussain's refusal to surrender to an unjust ruler, even in the face of immense adversity and certain martyrdom, highlights the paramount importance of upholding our principles and standing firm for what is right.
In the face of unimaginable hardships, Imam Hussain demonstrated unwavering faith, resilience, and the strength to resist injustice. His unwavering commitment to truth serves as an inspiration for us all, reminding us that the path of righteousness may be arduous, but it is one worth treading upon.
As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Muharram, let us reflect upon our own lives. Are we standing up against oppression and injustice in our communities?
Are we extending a helping hand to those in need?
Are we practicing compassion and empathy towards one another, just as Imam Hussain exemplified in his teachings?
Muharram is not merely a time of mourning, but also an opportunity for self-reflection and self-improvement.
It is a reminder for us to reevaluate our actions, to strive for excellence in our character, and to deepen our connection with Allah.
Let us seize this blessed month to reconnect with our faith and make a renewed commitment to the values that Imam Hussain sacrificed his life for.
As we come together in unity and solidarity during this Muharram gathering, let us remember the importance of fostering love, understanding, and respect among ourselves and within our communities.
Let us honor the memory of Imam Hussain by embodying his teachings of justice, compassion, and the pursuit of truth.
May this Muharram ignite a spark within our hearts, inspiring us to live with greater purpose and to uphold the principles that Imam Hussain so valiantly defended.
Let us embrace this opportunity for spiritual growth and collective remembrance, as we strive to make this world a better place for all.
May Allah bless us all with His mercy and guidance throughout this sacred month of Muharram.
Advice from Sayyid al -Sistani to all believers:
As we approach the sacred month of Muharram 1445 A.H., here are the top 10 pieces of advice from Sayyid al -Sistani to all believers.
IMAN Painting
We appeal to your generosity to help cover $26,007.20 of expenses to repaint the exteriors of IMAN Center.
It is almost 15 years since remodeling of the IMAN Center was completed in September of 2008. Exterior paint had many signs of aging. Several areas of the exterior wall had worn away exposing wooden material to weather. Several metal columns had signs of rusting. Extreme weather-related shrinkage had caused gaps to appear that led ant activity in the room adjacent to the prayer hall. This required resealing and painting of the sealed areas.
Painting of the damaged area from the roof leak was not able to be completed in time before the cold weather set in last year.
Full exterior paint work is now in progress and scheduled to be completed in the next few days.
We thank you in advance for your generous consideration and continued support!
See link https://www.iman-wa.org/donatemoney on instructions to donate.