During the month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Al-Asr Woking joins thousands of mosques and Islamic centres globally by organising its own gathering (also referred to as a Majalis) in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

The Al-Asr Centre in Woking has invited reputable distinguished guest speakers from all over the World to provide quality Majlis (sermons) and Lectures since 1995. Our Woking community centre has arranged hundreds of Majalis focusing on the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Imam Hussain (a.s). These sessions may include recitation of poetry, narrations of historical events, and discussions about the lessons and principles derived from the tragedy of Karbala.

“Hussain (a.s) is from my and I am from Hussain (a.s) | Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh)”

Hearing sermons of the commemoration of Imam Hussain’s (a.s) martyrdom leads to participants expressing their extreme grief and sadness. The unbearable stories of the injustice that the household of the Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh the most revered man in Islam) had endured, which lead to the entire male lineage of the Prophets household (apart from one survivor) being massacred on the plains of Karbala only 50 years after the death of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh).

Rhythmic recitations, chants, lamenting and beating of the chest are common during the end of each sermon during the first 10 days of Muharram. Most Muslims from all denominations accept the tragedy that took place during the month of Muharram. Although Shia Muslims are most active in these days, many Sunni Muslims give reverence, respect, and maintain a sombreness throughout the first 10 days of Muharram. Typically, Sunni Muslims do not partake in the beating of the chest but will commonly join Majalis during the holy month of Muharram, or hold their own Majalis particularly on the 9^th and 10^th night of Muharram which are 2 of the most significant nights, when the massacre of Karbala took place.

It is a common misconception that all Shia’s partake in self-flagellation (by using blades and drawing blood from head and back) this is not a practice followed by Al-Asr in Woking, nor is it common amongst most Shia’s. Small minority groups in certain Shia communities do mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain by self-flagellation. It is a fringe element within Shia Islam, most scholars have advised their followers against the practice, and it is therefore very uncommon amongst the 99.9% of Shia Muslims.

Al-Asr for 25 years has offered this programme in Woking, to raise awareness towards the plight of Prophet Mohammed’s (Pbuh) family and close companions. We offer a nightly supplication and salutation dedicated to Imam Hussain (a.s) knows as Ziyarat Ashura collectively as a community to express our devotion, respect, and unity in our love for the Household of the Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh), and our desire for justice, fairness, and equality.

Al-Asr provides meals and charity (known as “sabeel” or “tabarruk”) throughout the month to those in attendance as an act of generosity and charity. Al-Asr Woking also encourages their congregants to engage in charitable activities and donate to those in need during the month of Muharram.

With your donations we hope to continue to spread the word of Imam Hussain (a.s). and hope to run our Majalis inviting a wider audience in the years to come.