THE 40th DAY MARCH to IMAM HUSSAIN in KARBALA
In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful
The 11th Imam, Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him), has been reported to have said:
"There are five traits which distinguish the believer:
- praying fifty one (units of prayer per day);
- wearing a ring on the right (hand);
- having a mark (from prostration) on the forehead;
- saying "In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful" out loud (during prayer);
- and visiting (Imam Husain, peace be upon him) on the '40th day'".
(From page 54 of al-Mazaar by Shaykh al-Mufeed)
Believers across the globe, are preparing for the annual march toward Karbala, in order to visit Imam Husain (peace be upon him). On the 20th day of Safar, on the occasion commemorating the 40th day following the martyrdom of the immaculate Imam, believers return to the land of Karbala - just as the captive women and children did on their way back from the tyrant's capital in Shaam, when they attempted to bury the severed head of Imam Husain, alongside his sacred body. The faithful act, out of their unwavering conviction and according to the direction of the immaculate Imams, so much so that this visit has become a distinct characteristic attributed to the believers.
In recent years, the marching masses have been estimated at over five million - swarms of devotees determined to reach the burial grounds of Imam Husain (peace be upon him). The march has been completed amazingly and has turned out in such a way that its success it believed to be due to the hidden hand of the Divine; the Divine Who takes care of the faithful, strengthens their resolve and reinforces them as they support one another, despite of their modest resources.
At the forefront of groups which lead, support, encourage, and maintain the event is the collective group of religious scholars - as well as their representatives and organizations connected to the religious authorities in the Holy City of Najaf. This group contributes effectively and continuously by following up on all issues dealing with the march, such that the "40th day" season and the visiting pilgrims are in the best possible conditions.
Among the offices of the Grand Religious Authorities
- Grand Ayatollah Sayyid al-Sistani (may God protect him),
- Grand Ayatollah Shaykh al-Fayyadh (may God protect him),
- Grand Ayatollah Sayyid al-Hakim (may God protect him),
The office of Grand Ayatollah Shaykh al-Basheer al-Najafi (may God protect him) is also offering important services for the event through an organization called Anwar al-Najafiyya. These critical services include medical aid and provisions such as food, heaters and others.
Moreover, the office of His Eminence Shaykh al-Basheer al-Najafi communicated with us regarding inviting the believers - who are not able to physically participate in the visit, but would still like to gain the rewards and blessings - to support the visitors of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).
This support would manifest, firstly, through their prayers for the visitors, and then by taking care of some of the visitors' necessities.
- Indeed, $10 would suffice for a blanket to keep a visiting pilgrim warm.
- Another $10 would cover three meals for a visitor of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).
Remember, these visiting pilgrims may be on a journey for several days, going to and coming from Karbala. Of course, this would be a participation in the visit and a way to venerate the sacred rituals of commemorating Imam Hussain (peace be upon him); and the donor would be visiting by proxy as well.
The Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.), the Liaison office of the Religious Authorities, is pleased to answer this call, and participate in helping to make it happen. Therefore, the opportunity is available, for those who are interested, to make donations online, according to the following:
- A gift of $10 to cover the cost of a blanket for the visitor of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him): Price of the blanket $10.00 X the number of people = total of $_ _. _ _
- A gift of $10 to cover three meals for a visitor of Imam Husain (peace be upon him): Price of food for one day $10.00 X the number of people = total of $_ _ _. _ _
I WANT TO HELP, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
- Go to www.IMAM-US.org
- Choose Services --> Charitable Contributions
- From the Payment Type Choose General Donation Payment
- In the Special Note Box, enter the following:
