Past eventMuharram · Shahada (Witness) - Ashura and Arbaeen 1448 (2026) Series · Session 1

[1] Shahada (Witness) - Where Is Your Brother? and The First Martyr Abel (Habil)

Monday, 15 June 2026

What does it truly mean to be a witness? In this powerful opening night of Muharram 1448 (2026), Shaykh Shabbir Hassanally introduces the profound concept of "Shahada" (The Theology of Witness). Moving away from the passive notion of victimhood, this sermon reclaims the Islamic framework of martyrdom as an active, conscious testament to Truth. The historical narrative (Maqtal) takes us back to the very dawn of human existence, tracing the origin of spiritual resistance through the tragic story of Habil (Abel)—the world's first witness to fall at the hands of tyranny. We close with a heart-wrenching lamentation (Nohe) titled "Caravan of Husayn" and a poetic English recitation of Ziyarat Ashura, challenging us all with the ultimate question: "Where is your brother?" Whether you are looking for traditional Muharram poetry and Shia mourning (Azadari) in English, or you are a seeker exploring Islamic theology, ethics, and universal justice, this series offers deep spiritual food for thought.

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۞وَٱتۡلُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ نَبَأَ ٱبۡنَيۡ ءَادَمَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ إِذۡ قَرَّبَا قُرۡبَانٗا فَتُقُبِّلَ مِنۡ أَحَدِهِمَا وَلَمۡ يُتَقَبَّلۡ مِنَ ٱلۡأٓخَرِ قَالَ لَأَقۡتُلَنَّكَۖ قَالَ إِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And recite to them the story of Adam's two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter], "I will surely kill you." Said [the former], "Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him]

Quran, Surah Al-Ma'idah (The Table Spread), Chapter 5, Verse 27