As I enter the masjid, surrounded by the community members in anticipation of the month’s beginning, the crowd growing larger as it comes closer to the time of the speech, my heart is filled with readiness to commemorate.

The essence of this month of Muharrum is inspired by Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) grandson, Hussain ibne Ali (ra). He stood against injustice in a society where the government of the time reeked of corruption, and the people were heavily oppressed. The tyrant of that era demanded that Hussain (ra) pay his allegiance to him to increase his own credibility (a theme we see frequently in our world’s history).

Hussain (ra) stood by his principles and refused. During a journey with 72 of his family and friends, they were stopped by the ruler’s army of thousands in a land called Karbala (in present-day Iraq). Still refusing to give allegiance, having their food and water supply cut off, they gave the ultimate sacrifice for justice and died a heart-wrenching death while defending their principles.

Hussain (ra) stood by his values until the very end, and that is the legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world, including me. Ever since I was a little girl, my family has commemorated the sacrifice of Hussain and have attended gatherings to learn about this story.

His story gave me strength. It made me eager to act against injustices I encountered and promote positive change in my community and beyond. My passion for organizing began at a young age where I felt courageous enough to do so. In high school, I attended social justice youth programs to understand the world around me and learn social responsibility. Social responsibility specifically motivated me since there was a huge emphasis on working towards something “greater than yourself” when growing up.

I felt a sense of responsibility to join and create movements where I could help facilitate change. I wanted to take the knowledge that I learned and put it to work. I continued to serve the Muslim community in any way I could. Helping engage Muslims to vote in primary and general elections, coordinating youth leadership programs locally and at the state capitol, and aiding different Muslim social justice efforts were my way of honoring the legacy of Hussain (ra).

It was incredibly tough but with persistence and motivation to stand by values of speaking out, I now manage communications at the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the nation for the California chapter, where I work to amplify Muslim voices and perspectives.

“Those who are silent when others are oppressed are guilty of oppression themselves.” – Hussain Ibne Ali (ra)

The Earth along its orbit, revolving around the sun

Spinning on its tilted axis, marking every day as done

Such a tiny speck we are in this expanding universe

We have so much yet to learn, our hearts have so much to rehearse

The Ummah is divided, humanity is too

Our world, well it’s on fire, with no concrete plan in view

You ask me what this month means, Muharram marks a brand new year

I cannot string together enough words to make it clear

Can you find the strength to hold true to your values and the truth?

To raise such a generation in the eyes of all your youth?

Can you do it when surrounded by thousands who want your head?

Can you do it when they strike all of your loved ones dead?

Can you do it when they parade all your women on the streets?

Can you do it when your children are being thrown and bruised and beat?

Can you see it in the headlines, as the tales spin in the news?

When suddenly you’re the culprit they all want to accuse?

Can you do it when you’re starved, deprived of water or food?

In scorching heat, dehumanized, attacked during sujood?

Suddenly it doesn’t seem like too easy of a feat

Doesn’t take long to realize we’ve seen history repeat

The purpose of our mourning, of crying, “Ya Hussain”

Is to counter all oppression, time and time again

It’s honing on a message amidst senseless, noisy chatter

Breathing, believing, with every being, crying “Black Lives Matter”

It’s knowing this land was not in fact made for you and me

It was stolen from Indigenous peoples and built on slavery

It’s seeing destruction, chaos, fires, tsunamis, turmoils of every kind

And knowing that in seeking justice, no soul is left behind

We mourn, reflect and ponder on lessons to take away

Who are the world’s oppressors, the Yazids of today?

Can we go a step further, hold up a mirror in our hand?

In the face of injustice, how will we take a stand?

Each year, Ashura provides a space to reflect and renew my intentions. Daily discussions remind me of Hussain’s quest for justice and his deep love for humanity, of his sister Zainab’s unwavering faith in the face of trials, and of the courage of his family and friends in doing what was right, even if they were small in number. It prompts me to ask, who am I influenced by? What values am I standing for? And this year, as Ashura coincides with the Islamic New Year, remembering these inspiring personalities gives me the motivation to learn, grow and strive to make each year better than the last.

I look within the mirror that is my heart and see it is corroded, it is hardened, it is yet to be polished. I see that I have let the world consume me from within, that I have consumed the world for 10.5 months. The sun has set now, the winds hush, the crescent of Muharram looms over the rustling trees. A rumble of drums beat, banners of Ya Hussain (ra) kiss the sky, fathers lift their children to see. I sit on a masjid floor looking within the mirror of my heart. I feel my chest expanding.

Every year, for about 2.5 months, I get the distinct honor of Imam Hussain (ra) entering my heart-- the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), sees every broken shard, sees the rust, sees my desires that have lodged into my heart and he pulls it out. Hussain's brothers, nephews, sons, companions and eventually Hussain (ra) himself sacrificed themselves in order to save the essence of Islam. This sacrifice is a reflection of their pure, polished, shining hearts. It inspires my heart to purify myself from evil and promote goodness which is only possible when free of tyrants, in Hussain's (ra) case it was Yazid, and serve only Allah (S).

I let Hussain (ra) enter my heart because I need him. Because I am human.

Muharram is such a special time, not only for Shi'as but for all Muslims. Here is why:

We all LOVE Ramadan; it is a time of renewal of the soul, reviving your true inner being (nafs) for the sake of Allah (S). We truly cleanse our mind, body and soul. Muharram to me is the renewal of my allegiance to Allah (S) and our Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his family.

When the Prophet came to the people with Islam, he said "I have only been sent to perfect good moral character." The "good moral character" refers to how we conduct ourselves with our Lord, how each of us relates to ourselves, and how we treat other people.

When you read and listen to the stories and the personalities of each of the 72 companions of Imam Hussain (ra) on Ashura, you cannot help and reflect on yourself and where you stand as a human. The stories of Karbala from the day of Ashura remind me of the true qualities of Rasullah (saw), the qualities of a true believer, the one who chose Allah (S) over all else. He is the one who chose family, loyalty, the straight path, justice, strength, hope, courage, bravery, love, compassion and forgiveness.

THESE are qualities anyone would want to amplify within themselves.

Also, the start of the new year is celebratory for many religions and cultures. Everyone has a common theme; how can I make this my best year? But what better way is there to start the year then with reflection, gratitude and humbleness by remembering the Prophet, his family and the sacrifices made for us.

We spend the night leading up to Ashura and day of Ashura remembering Imam Hussain (ra) (the grandson of the Prophet) and his family. How hard was it for him to see each one of his sons, friends and companions killed? Regardless of the hardship and the trial, he never stopped giving his thanks to Allah (S). He never once questioned, why me?

This to me is a reflection of the Prophet's character – the beauty of seeing Allah (S) in everyone and everything and having full-force tawakkul in his plan. It is trusting that every hardship brings strength and the building of character. Imam Hussain (ra) left Hajj because he knew he had a purpose “I left in order to seek reform in the Ummah of my grandfather (Prophet Muhammad).”