By Mufaddal Yamani – itswhatifeel53.wordpress.com

Karbala is the land of forgiveness. It is the place where prayers are granted. It is the place where shiate from around the world gather to mourn. They flock here to drown their sorrows in their tears for Imam Husain^AS. Tears, those eternally flow, in condolence to Prophet Mohammed^SAW whose grandson was brutally martyred, without food or water, on the scorching sands of Karbala.

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin^RA, the 52^nd leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community was the true standard bearer of the principles of Karbala. He made numerous visits to this hallowed land and recited numerous citations about the tragedy that befell Imam Husain^AS in Karbala. But, none were arguably more historic than his trip in 1429 hijri.

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin^RA spent close to a month in the holy lands of Karbala and Najaf (KUN), as hundreds upon hundreds of his followers thronged to be with him. I too was one amongst those blessed multitudes whose fortune had brought them to the precipice of the divine mausoleums.

The 14 days I spent in KUN were each filled with a lifetime of benedictions. Beginning each day with the sight of Maula^RA performing ziyarat and reciting salaam at the zarih of Imam Husain^AS and Maulana Ali^AS truly sanctified the senses. A feeling of tranquility engulfed my being as my heart soared, weightless from its grief and worries.

Each day was more gratifying than the one gone by. Each moment made memorable by being at the zarih of Imam Husain^AS in the presence of Dai al Husain. Each step was an opportunity to gather blessings. Each breath was a prayer. Each passing hour was taking me closer to that historic moment that no one had dreamed about. The night when Maula unveiled the epic marsiya of “Fulkul Husain”.

Each mournful verse made the listeners weep with agony. Each somber stanza visualized the tragedy that unfolded on the day of Ashura. And when maula recited “Abkika Maulayal Husain! Afdeeka Maulayal Husain!” we could picture how he had wept on Imam Husain^AS for 50 years and devoted his life to his cause. As we recited along with Maula^RA, it was like he was making us a part of his sorrow and devotion for Imam Husain^AS. As the night wound down, every eye was moist and every lip was chanting “Abkika Maulayal Husain! Afdeeka Maulayal Husain!” But, as I wept on Imam Husain^AS I also wept on the realization that it was my last night in Karbala.

The next day as I left for my home, I had a part of Karbala forever in my heart. As I filled my eyes with last glimpses of the mausoleum of Imam Husain^AS, I made a promise that Maula^RA had entrusted us “Abkika Maulayal Husain! Afdeeka Maulayal Husain!” I will always weep on you O Maula Husain! I will devote every part of my being to you O Maula Husain! And if destiny will bring me back to your doorstep, I will prostrate in thanks to the almighty. And, if my sins prevent me from returning to you, I will weep on you till my last breath and after that too.