In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

A Brief Introduction to Majalis and Azadari

Janab-e-Zainab(A.S.) proclaimed to the world the greatest sacrifices made by Imam
Hussain(A.S.) and other members of the family of the Holy Prophet of Islam(S.A.W.) for the
cause of Islam, who were brutally martyred at Karbala in 61 A.H by the Yazidi forces. She
exposed the evil deeds of Ibn-Ziyad and Yazid through her bold and fearless speeches she gave
on her journey to medina after the tragedy of karbala.

The words that spread as a result of her journey, people came to know of the events of
Karbala and their hearts were stirred. Word came to Yazid that there was turmoil and unrest in
the realm he decided to release the Ahl-e-Bayt (A.S.) as it seemed to him that the Ahl-e-Bayt had
been adequately humiliated. He sent for Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (A.S.). He informed Imam Zain-ul-
Abideen (A.S.) of his impending release and asked if he wished for anything. Imam Zain-ul-
Abideen (A.S.) said he would have to consult his aunt Janab-e-Zainab (A.S.).

Arrangements were made and Janab-e-Zainab (A.S.) arrived, properly veiled. She asked,
"O Yazid, since the day our leader and our chief Imam Hussain (A.S.) was butchered in karbala
we have not had any opportunity to mourn for him." A house was therefore provided in Syria
(Sham) and here Janab-e-Zainab (A.S.) held her first Majalis-e-Aza of Imam Hussain. The
women of the Syria (Sham) arrived clad in black, with their heads uncovered, weeping
wretchedly. Imam Zayn-ul-Abideen (A.S.) sat on the carpet of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and then
Janab-e- Zainab (A.S.) told the women of Syria what had befallen for them in Karbala and Kufa.
They shed tears and mourned. From then Azadari started. She vowed that Majalis-e-Aza and
Azadari for Imam Hussain Will begin from the same house of yazid who ordered the Imam to be
butchered. After returning to Madina when the people wanted to invite Janab-e-Zainab (A.S.) on
any occasion, the only way to invite her was organize Majalis-e-Aza of Imam Hussain (A.S).

As Shi’ahs we are indeed blessed to have the honor of remembering the tragedy of
Karbala through the practice of Majalis-e-aza and Azadari. We should offer our condolences to
Imam -e- Zamana (A.S) who will avenge the blood of Imam Hussain (A.S) and we should pray for
his earliest reappearance. Grieving during Azadari, for the heartless way in which Imam Hussain
(A.S) and his family were treated in Karbala, is not only a reverence and love for the holy family,
but also serves to soften and purify our hearts.