Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin presides over first sermon of Ashara Mubaraka

His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin addressing the congregation yesterday

His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS yesterday conducted the first sermon of Ashara Mubaraka in Husaini Masjid, Colombo 4. 

As has been his practice over the last few years, Syedna Saifuddin announced that the series of ten sermons would centre upon a single theme. This year, he has chosen to base his sermons on an extensive counsel given by Imam Ali bin Abu Talib SA to his son Imam Hasan SA. The counsel is a series of directions and guidance regarding moral and ethical conduct, which reflect the love of a father for his son, and his desire for him to be upstanding, honest and virtuous. 

The first sermon explored the dangers and negative consequences of three specific vices: pride, anger, and greed. His Holiness cautioned the community to stay vigilant against such traits, as they degrade the soul, and are detrimental to personal as well as societal growth and well-being. Imam Ali bin Abi Talib SA has explained that self-admiration and conceit hinder growth and further development. 

Addressing a gathering of over 21,000, Syedna Saifuddin welcomed community members who had come from far and wide to recall the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed’s SAW grandson, Imam Husain SA. The large international gathering serves as a venue for community members to re-evaluate and reassess their own lives, in light of the wisdom shared during the sermons, and recommit themselves to values of devotion to faith, loyalty to country, and lawfulness, which are core features of Syedna Saifuddin’s constant message to the community. 

Syedna Saifuddin concluded the sermons by narrating the events that unfolded in Karbala, Iraq, vividly describing the final moments of Imam Husain’s life. His final counsel for the day was for each individual to expend every effort in remembering the Prophet’s grandson Imam Husain SA.