IMANews: Muharram 1447 AH, Jun/Jul 2025

As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum / Peace be upon you!

Crescent Moon Muharram 1447 AH

There were no verified reports of sightings of the crescent moon by the naked eye at sunset on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025, from any region in North America. Therefore, Thursday, June 26th, 2025, will be the last day of Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 A.H and Friday, June 27th, 2025, will be the first day of Muharram, 1447 A.H.

Important Islamic Events this Month:

Muharram Jul/Aug Occasion

2 Jun 28 Imam Hussain (p) arrives in Karbala (61 A.H.)

7 Jul 3 Water cut off from Imam Hussain (p) & companions (61 A.H.)

10 Jul 6 Day of Ashura; Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (p) (61 A.H.)

12 Jul 8 Burial of Imam Hussain (p) & companions in Karbala (61 A.H.)

25 Jul 21 Wafat of Imam Ali ibn Hussain (al-Sajjad) (p) (95 A.H.)

We ask God, the Most High, for success in performing good deeds and to hasten the Return of Our Master, Imam Mahdi (p).

IMAN Center Daily Congregational Salaat

Fostering greater participation in prayer times is a meaningful effort to build a stronger sense of unity and spiritual connection within our community. Together, let us support this effort to establish regular daily congregational prayers for Dhuhr and Maghreb at IMAN. Our congregation attendance scorecard for April/May 2025 is appended below.

May / June 2025 Daily Prayer Attendance

Muharram 1447 AH Reflection

Muharram holds deep and profound significance for us. It marks a sacred time of remembrance, reflection, and the renewal of our faith. It is a month of mourning, but also of introspection—a moment to honor the ultimate sacrifices made by the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), and his loyal companions.

As we enter the year 1447 AH, let us pause to reflect on the enduring lessons of Karbala. Imam Hussain’s unwavering courage and steadfast devotion to justice remain a timeless beacon for humanity. His refusal to submit to tyranny—even in the face of overwhelming adversity and certain martyrdom—teaches us the critical importance of holding firm to our principles and standing up for what is right.

In the midst of unimaginable hardship, Imam Hussain embodied resilience, dignity, and unshakable faith. His legacy is a call to conscience—a reminder that the path of truth is not always easy, but it is always just and necessary.

As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Muharram, let us reflect deeply on our own lives:

• Are we standing against injustice and oppression within our communities?

• Are we lifting those who are struggling, offering help and hope to the vulnerable?

• Are we nurturing compassion, empathy, and sincerity in our interactions with others?

Muharram is not only a period of mourning—it is also a powerful opportunity for personal and collective transformation. It invites us to examine our actions, refine our character, and renew our connection with Allah.

Let us use this sacred time to reaffirm our commitment to the values that Imam Hussain gave his life for: truth, justice, compassion, and moral integrity.

As we gather in remembrance during this holy month, may our hearts be united in love, our communities bound by mutual respect, and our actions guided by the light of Imam Hussain’s example.

May the spirit of Muharram inspire within us the resolve to live with purpose, to serve others, and to strive for a more just and compassionate world.

Muharram Program at IMAN

Muharram 1447 AH Programs at IMAN Center will be held in person each night starting June 25, 2023, at 7:30 PM and ending on July 7, 2025. For more information please see: https://www.iman-wa.org/events.

Full day Ashura program will take place on Sunday July 6, 11:00 AM starting with a'maal recommended for the Day of Ashura. Ladies majlis for Ashura day will take place at 5:00 PM.

Live broadcast link for the program is http://live.iman-wa.org.

Our guest speaker this Muharram is Shaykh Ali Raza Khaki. His topic of discussion will be: "Finding Sakina: Discovering True Peace Through the Wisdom of Karbala".

Shaykh Ali Raza says:

This Muharram, we're going beyond to uncover something deep - how the events of Karbala reveal timeless truths about finding real happiness and inner peace.

The Quran tells us that "in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest," but what does that actually look like in our daily struggles? How do we find that sakina - that deep tranquility the Quran speaks of - when we're caught up in anxiety, comparison, and the endless chatter in our minds?

Over ten nights, we'll walk through Imam Hussein's journey not just as history, but as a mirror for our own spiritual awakening. We'll explore what it means to know yourself beyond your job title, your worries, your past mistakes. We'll look at how speaking with integrity can transform your relationships and inner world.

The Quran reminds us that "Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear," and this series is an invitation to discover that strength within yourself. We'll examine what creates lasting happiness versus fleeting pleasure, and uncover the kind of resilience that doesn't depend on circumstances.

Each night builds on each other, taking you from recognising the voice of your ego to finding the peace that surpasses understanding. Because ultimately, Karbala teaches us that true victory is about staying connected to your deepest truth, no matter what.

Come ready to be challenged, inspired, and changed."

About Shaykh Ali Raza Khaki

Shaykh Ali Raza is a Lecturer in Islamic History at Al-Mahdi Institute (AMI), Birmingham, UK. He also teaches courses on legal theory and legal maxims.

In addition to his teaching, he is heavily involved in the running of the Centre for Intra-Muslim Studies and lectures to Muslim communities around the world.

His current research interests include legal theory and hermeneutics, and Islamic history. 

Shaykh Ali Raza Khaki completed a BEng in Biomedical Engineering and a MSc in Computer Science at the University of Birmingham before beginning his seminary studies at the Al-Mahdi Institute. Upon graduating from AMI, he went on to complete an MA in Islamic Studies at the University of Birmingham in 2020.

Daily program schedule:

7:30 PM Open with Qur'an

7:40 PM Marthiya

7:55 PM Community Announcements

8:05 PM Presentation by Shaykh Ali Raza Khaki

9:00 PM Lamentation / Matam / Latmiyah

9:30 PM Salaat ul Maghrebain

10:00 PM Conclusion

Nawha/marthiya reciters are requested to send mail to programs@iman-wa.org.

Sponsors for daily tabarruk are welcome and can e-mail hospitality@iman-wa.org to sign-up.

A special children's/younger youth program will run concurrently in the south room subject to parent volunteer availability.

We are planning to have activities for children while parents participate in the adult Muharram program knowing that our younger ones are also spending their time well with enrichment activities.

Your time and commitment is needed to organize nightly programs for our children to guide their energy toward something useful. If you have two hours of your time to share for one (or more) nights of Muharram (first 12 nights) at Iman, working with organizers and following their direction to manage children, please let us know!

We are asking for volunteers 15 years of age and older to engage in activities planned for two age-based groups: 4-7 yrs and +7 yrs.

Volunteers are expected to spend two hours at IMAN each evening with other organizers working with children and keeping them engaged. Activities may include storytelling, book reading, game-based activities, art and craft, and etc.

The activities will mostly be led by organizers and volunteers will assist them in managing the events.

However, if you like to lead an event or have ideas/suggestions, we’ll be more than happy to hear from you!

So, if you think you can share two hours or more of your time with us, please Email programs@iman-wa.org with your name, number of hours/nights willing to volunteer and a good contact.

May Allah (SWT) bless us all with His mercy and guidance during this sacred month and beyond.

Advice from Sayyid al -Sistani to all believers:

As we approach the sacred month of Muharram 1447 A.H., here are the top 10 pieces of advice from Sayyid al -Sistani to all believers.

Blood Drive: Lend and Arm, Save a Life

We are requesting sign-up for Blood Drive scheduled at IMAN on Friday, July 4th from 9 am - 3 pm. There is plenty of availability in the morning and afternoon.

You can sign up at: https://donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/82360

What better way to commemorate Muharram then by potentially saving someone's life.

By the numbers:

- 1 donation can save up to 3 lives

- 1,000 donations are needed daily to meet demand.

- Every 2 secs, someone in the US needs blood - this could anyone of us, our family / friends or someone in the Community.

Social Services

Monthly community dinners IMAN hosts with St. John’s are a great opportunity to serve. Those interested to help, please contact Br. Abbas Kazmi or send mail to socialservices@iman-wa.org.

Sr. Sidra Naqvi continues to coordinate meals every other Sunday to the Seattle Tent City. Several spots have been reserved to provide future meals at shelters. If you are interested in helping, please contact Sister Sidra Naqvi (425) 273 1463 or e-mail iman@iman-wa.org.

We are collecting donations to provide halal meat to a Bellevue foodbank operated by Hopelink. Please visit the link: Donate if you would like to support this cause. Be sure to note "Bellevue Foodbank" on the memo line when making a donation.