Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim
Respected scholars, Maulana Syed Iftikhar Abid Naqvi, Sheikh Hasnain Govani, dear brothers and sisters, and especially our young community members,
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
Tonight is the night of the 9th of Muharram. Our hearts are with Aba Abdillah Imam Hussain (a.s.), his family, and his loyal companions as we approach the day of Ashura.
Every year, these nights remind us why our center exists. Buildings, programs, committees, and activities all have value only if they serve a higher purpose. The mission of this center is, and will always remain, centered on Imam Hussain (a.s.) and the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).
Generations before us gathered to remember Karbala. They passed this legacy to us through sacrifice, devotion, and commitment. Today, it is our responsibility to ensure that the message of Hussain (a.s.) remains alive in the hearts of our children and grandchildren. Our center must always be a place where people learn the values of truth, justice, dignity, sacrifice, faith, and service – values that were embodied by Imam Hussain (a.s.) on the plains of Karbala.
Brothers and sisters,
The year 2026 has been a difficult and historic year for our Ummah. We have witnessed events that have shaken our hearts. We witnessed the martyrdom of a great Marja, a loss felt deeply across the Shia world. We also witnessed the sacrifices, suffering, resilience, and steadfastness of an entire nation facing immense challenges.
These events remind us that history is not something we merely read about. History continues to unfold before our eyes. The lessons of Karbala are not confined to the year 61 AH. Every generation faces its own tests. Every community faces moments when faith, patience, courage, and unity are tested.
While we may live in peace and security here in Canada, we should not assume that our future challenges will be small. The pressures facing Muslim families today are real. The pressures facing religious communities are real. We must prepare ourselves, and we must prepare our children.
One of the challenges we cannot ignore is the protection of our religious identity and our right to practice our faith openly and confidently. We are blessed to live in a society that provides many freedoms, but rights are preserved only when communities remain engaged, organized, educated, and united. My team is already working with the National Counsil of Canadian Muslims to support initiatives that will help protect our rights in Quebec. However, there are things that each one of us will have to do at an individual and at our family level.
If we want our children to remain connected to Islam, to the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), and to the values of Karbala, then we cannot rely on Muharram alone. Ten nights a year are not enough. Our children need knowledge throughout the year. They need role models throughout the year. They need a community throughout the year. They need a center that is active throughout the year.
This means investing in Islamic education. It means strengthening our families. It means creating programs for youth, for young adults, for parents, and for seniors. It means teaching our children not only how to practice Islam, but also why they should be proud of their faith and heritage.
The responsibility does not belong only to the scholars or only to the different boards of Shiane Haidery. It belongs to every one of us.
For that reason, I would like to make a sincere request to our community.
First, continue attending the center throughout the year. Join us not only during Muharram and Ramadan, but also during regular programs, educational lectures, workshops, youth activities, and community events. A vibrant center is built through participation. When our halls are full, our children see that faith matters. When families attend together, the next generation learns that the remembrance of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) is not an occasional event but a way of life.
Second, support the center with your time and money. Every program, every class, every youth initiative, every maintenance project, and every future vision requires resources and volunteers. This center belongs to all of us. The responsibility of sustaining it belongs to all of us as well.
The people of Karbala gave their wealth, their comfort, their families, and ultimately their lives for the cause of truth. We are not being asked for such sacrifices. We are simply being asked to contribute what we can so that this center remains strong, independent, and capable of serving future generations. The costs of these programs, from hosting guest speakers, preparing food, and arranging logistics, add up quickly. If you’re able to give even a small amount, please don’t hesitate. The reward is not measured by how much you give, but by the sincerity and the intention with which you give it. Even a single dollar, given with the love of Imam Husayn (AS), can carry a tremendous weight in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
If we want our children and grandchildren to gather here twenty, thirty, and fifty years from now to mourn Imam Hussain (a.s.), learn the teachings of Islam, and build a strong community, then we must make the necessary investments today. In the remaining nights of Aza, please approach any member of my team or any member of the board of ladies to make a financial contribution in honour of the companions of Imam Hussain who gave everything.
Brothers and sisters,
As we stand on the eve of Ashura, let us renew our covenant with Imam Hussain (a.s.). Let us pledge that his remembrance will remain at the heart of our center. Let us strengthen our families, educate our children, support our institutions, and prepare ourselves for whatever challenges lie ahead.
May Allah protect our scholars, our families, our youth, and our community.
May Allah hasten the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf).
And may He allow us to remain among the sincere followers of Muhammad and Aale Muhammad.
Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
Let’s recite a sura Fateha for all the Marhumeens and before a loud Salawat.