Ismailism is a sect of Shia Islam who believe the son of Imam Jafar (AS), Ismail ibn Jafar as the successor to him. Ismailis rose to power in Egypt during the 10th and 12th centuries during the rule of Fatimid Caliphate, where Muharram celebration and Azadari of Imam Hussain (AS) became a common practice among them. Over the time, the Ismailis diverged into different sub-sects differing in their own rituals of the Azadari. In this article, the methods of Azadari of various sects of Ismailis such as the Nizaris, Mustalis and Bohras shall be studied.
Keywords: Ismailis, Azadari, Imam Hussain, Nizaris, Ismailis, Bohras
Azadari in the Fatimid Caliphate
In the period of Fatimid Caliphate, the Day of Ashura would be marked by a gloomy atmosphere, where markets would be shut and the whole Caliphate would mourn the day as a ‘day of grief’ as a part of Muharram celebration. In the Friday sermon, the Ismaili Imam would signify the importance of Ashura. The Imam would instruct the people how to commemorate the event of Ashura. He would recite Majalis wearing a veil while sitting on uncomfortable chairs made from the branches of the palm tree, without any cushions. In the palaces, the royal carpets would be taken off and mats made of straw would be spread on the floor. People would be instructed to openly express the grief through lamenting and crying on the event.
Muharram mourning ceremonies among various Ismaili sects
Ismailis are divided into various sub-sects. The manner in which Muharram celebration and mourning is performed differs among them. With the exception of Bohras, no other sect undertakes special rites to commemorate the incident of Karbala, however, no festival is celebrated during the first ten days of Muharram and people ponder upon the principles followed by the living Ismaili Imam. The differences in the mourning ceremonies of various sects of Ismailis are mentioned below:
The Mustalis
The Mustalis consider the event of Ashura vital and mourn the incident of Karbala on The Day of Ashura. They do not celebrate any festival during the first ten days of the month Muharram for honoring Imam Hussain (AS) and ponder upon the principles followed by the living Imam.
The Nizaris
The Nizari Ismailis consider the Mourning to be arbitrary and do not mourn the Ashura like the other sects of Ismailis, although no festival is celebrated during the first ten days of Muharram. The reason why they do not mourn the Muharram celebration is that they believe that Imamate never dies and it light passes on from one to Imam to another.
The Dawoodi Bohras
The Dawoodi Bohras believe that the martyrdom of Imam Hussain to be one of the prophecies of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that marks a big change in the course of Islam. During the first ten days of Muharram, the Dawoodi Bohras hold Majalis to commemorate Imam Hussain’s (AS) sacrifice twice a day.
The Alavi Bohras
The Alavi Bohras hold Majlis during the first ten days of Muharram with the sermons given by Dai Al Mutlaq every day where the members avail the occasion to meet each other. Many social and religious activities are undertaken during these ten days including:
- Distributing water on roads, known as ‘Sabeel’ to people of all faiths.
- A large platter known as ‘Thaal’ organized on the first day containing different fruits and dishes including a sweet dish called ‘Lachko’.
- Another dish known as ‘Khichdo’ is prepared for the communities of Alavi Bohras in various places on the Day of Ashura
References
The Dawoodi Bohras 30 March 2019, The Ziyārat of Imam Husain. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021, accessed 6th August 2021 <https://archive.today/20210613202903/https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/2019/03/30/the-ziyarat-of-imam-husain/>
The Dawoodi Bohras 21 August 2020, The Message of Imam Hussain, archived from the original on 10 March 2021, accessed 6th August 2021, <https://archive.ph/20210310003818/https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/2020/08/21/the-message-of-imam-husain-as/>
The Dawoodi Bohras 26 August 2020, The Grand Theoric, archived from the original on 13 June 2021, accessed 6th August 2021, <https://archive.today/20210613222503/https://www.thedawoodibohras.com/2020/08/26/the-grand-theriac/>
The.Ismaili 2020, Muharram, accessed 6th August 2021, <https://the.ismaili/global/our-community/festivals/muharram>
Wikipedia 2021, Ismailism, accessed 6th August 2021 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ismailism>
Wikipedia 2021, Alavi Bohras, accessed 6th August 2021 < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alavi_Bohras>