08/23/2026
“This is a day of joy for us, the Ahlul Bayt, and for all those who follow us.” - Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS), on the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal
Today is Eid-e-Zahra, the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal.
Eid-e-Zahra marks the day in 65 AH when the tyrant Umar ibn Sa’d, the commander of the army that massacred Imam Hussain(AS) and his companions at Karbala, was killed. With his death, a measure of justice was returned to history. Imam Ali ibn Hussain, Zayn al-Abidin (AS), and the survivors of Karbala could finally breathe. It is said that on this day, Imam al-Sadiq (AS) encouraged believers to celebrate, to feed others, to express gratitude, and to mark it as a day of joy for the Ahlul Bayt (AS) and their followers. It is also said to be the first time Imam Zain al-Abidin (AS) smiled since Ashura.
For the past two months, we have carried the weight of Muharram and Safar. Almost everyday we showed up to majalis wearing black, mourning the martyrs who gave their life up for Islam. We should always remind ourselves of the purpose of this lamenting: to never forget the events of Karbala and to spread the message of Imam Hussain. Now that our black is coming off, it is very easy for us to forget this purpose. We need to recall Imam Hussain’s story everyday and apply his message—to stand up for the oppressed and stay along the path of justice—to our daily lives. We can do this by protesting for those who are suffering in Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, and everywhere else around the world. We can do this by donating to charity and giving sadaqah. And of course, we can show our commitment to Imam Hussain through “small” actions, from aiding our neighbours whenever needed to helping our parents out with chores (this one is for the youth).
So, while we spend today celebrating, we need to realize that the pain of Karbala has not vanished. While we are still here, we need to remember and carry forward the teachings that our dear leader sacrificed himself and his entire family for.
Eid Mubarak to our entire community.
