Nelson | 6 July 2025 – A spiritually enriching and intellectually compelling keynote address was delivered by Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri at a special gathering held to commemorate the martyrs of Karbala. The lecture, titled “The Events and Aftermath of Karbalā: From Prophetic Traditions and Authentic Sources,” was attended by prominent scholars, teachers, students, and representatives from across the UK.
Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri commenced his lecture by expressing gratitude to Allah ﷻ and the noble Messenger Rasulullah ﷺ, under whose blessings and guidance the gathering took place in remembrance of the martyrs of Karbala. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri highlighted the significance of understanding the martyrdom of Imām Ḥusayn عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, emphasising the stark contrast between truth, justice, integrity, and honour, which Imām Ḥusayn symbolised, and the corruption, tyranny, injustice, and malevolence represented by Yazid and his followers.
Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri articulated clearly that the remembrance of Karbala is a direct opposition to evil, injustice, and falsehood, underscoring that discussions surrounding the events should be derived from unchallengeable authentic sources, particularly the words of Rasulullah ﷺ rather than historical texts prone to dispute. He addressed common misconceptions and criticisms, specifically the false notion that Imām Ḥusayn embarked on his journey for power or governance. Instead, he reiterated that Imām Ḥusayn’s actions were solely for the revival and protection of the true essence of Islam and to stand against the deviant and tyrannical rule of Yazid.
The lecture further elaborated upon the profound spiritual purity and status of the Ahlul Bayt, as described explicitly in the Quran and authentic hadiths, notably Ayat al-Tathir and the Hadith of Kisa. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri clarified that the spiritual purity of the Ahlul Bayt transcends physical cleanliness, encompassing purity of intention, thought, and action, explicitly negating any desire for worldly power or material gains.
Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri recounted significant Quranic events like Ayat al-Mubahala, establishing that Imām Hasan and Imām Ḥusayn were directly considered sons of Rasulullah ﷺ, affirming the gravity of their martyrdom as a direct assault upon the Prophet himself. He stressed the profound love Rasulullah had for his family, narrating various instances demonstrating this love, including the Prophet’s public displays of affection to reinforce their importance to the Ummah.
The lecture provided detailed accounts from prophetic traditions foretelling the martyrdom of Imām Ḥusayn, conveying Rasulullah’s deep sorrow and grief upon receiving these revelations. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri narrated incidents where angels conveyed the tragic news to the Prophet, highlighting Rasulullah’s profound anguish, further emphasising the immense spiritual and emotional significance of Karbala.
Additionally, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri thoroughly addressed historical misconceptions, criticising those attempting to absolve Yazid or downplay his culpability. He cited explicit prophetic traditions identifying Yazid by name, holding him directly responsible for corrupting and undermining Islamic teachings.
Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri then vividly described the brutal and tragic events that unfolded in Karbala, portraying the martyrdom and suffering of the Ahlul Bayt. He expressed that Imām Ḥusayn consciously chose his path, fully aware of the impending sacrifice, driven solely by a profound sense of duty to uphold justice and protect the sanctity of Islam’s foundational principles.
Concluding his lecture, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri reinforced the central theological importance of loving and honouring the Ahlul Bayt, emphasising that genuine love for Allah and His Messenger cannot exist independently of love for the Prophet’s family. The remembrance of Karbala, therefore, remains integral to faith, underscoring the timeless battle between righteousness and tyranny.
The event was graced by the presence of notable personalities from across the UK, including Syed Ali Abbas Bukhari; Allama Sadiq Qureshi; Allama Abdul Saeed; Allama Afzal Saeedi; Mufti Sohail Ahmad Siddiqui; Allama Abdul Sattar Siraj; Moazzam Raza; Sirat Ali Khan; Ahsan Khan; Iqbal Warraich; Ghulam Murtaza; Muhbeen Hussain; Fiaz Ahmad; Muhammad Bilal; Hassan Raza; Allama Mudassir Aziz; and Allama Shams Rahman Asi.
This landmark event reaffirmed the message of Karbala as an eternal light of truth and devotion. Shaykh Hammad Qadri’s address reignited the love for Ahl al-Bayt in the hearts of the audience and revived a deep theological understanding of their unmatched legacy.
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