Inspired by….the spirituality of Shia poetry

In the Shia tradition, arguably the most important commemoration is on the Day of Ashura (certainly emotionally), the 10th of Muharram. This was the day the Battle of Karbala took place in 680 where Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was brutally massacred alongside his family and followers by the controversial caliph; Yazid ibn Muawiya regarded by Shi’a Muslims and many Sunnis as a tyrant. Since this happened, devotees from different cultures mourn this tragedy annually in various ways. One of the most common ways that all cultures use is poetry, which is one of the original methods of expressing grief for Ashura and in line with the ancient Arab tradition of poetry.

In Shia teachings, the role of the poet is rather special, particularly a poet who writes or recites about the virtues and tragedies of Prophet Muhammad and his family (the Ahl-al-Bayt). It is difficult to compare the role to a similar one but perhaps akin to a Chazzan in the Jewish tradition. The job of the historian and journalist is to transmit the facts of what took place. However, the poet brings emotion and imagination lending to creation of hagiography. In Shia Hadith corpus, the divinely appointed Ahl-al-Bayt command poets to recite about what happened to Hussain on Ashura and also state that the one who makes people weep for Imam Hussain through poetry is guaranteed eternal Paradise. In Shia spirituality, crying and showing grief for Imam Hussain is a sign of the softness of the heart and is a means to atone for sins.

This brings me to Bassim Al Karbalai, an Iraqi reciter of poetry and a master of the art. He is referred to as the “Voice of Zahra” (in reference to Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, Fatima) as he transmits the tragedies that took place on the Ahl-al-Bayt through his recitations. He may not be a household name to many but has status of royalty amongst reciters and considered to have the greatest voice of all time by many. I have listened to his voice daily for most of my life, both externally and internally through my conscience. Although most of his poetry is written for him by poets, it is his voice that brings them to life and paint a picture in our minds of what took place to the Ahl-al-Bayt. Even though I cannot fully grasp the Arabic language, I understand what he is saying through the pain in his voice. I believe the language of Ashura is universal since grief is a common language all of humanity shares.

I have had the pleasure of listening to Bassim recite live in the last couple of years when he has come to London which was a dream come true in itself. However, I had the honour of meeting him recently through the kindness of someone who works with him. I got to meet the voice I listen to every single day, thank him and kiss his forehead (a customary way to honour someone). It remains the greatest moment of my life and inspired me to serve Imam Hussain further, the same way Bassim has for his whole life. Serving the cause of Imam Hussain is serving God, since Imam Hussain calls towards God. I choose to serve God through educating young people to practice wisdom and develop curiosity.

One of the 10 Obligatory Acts (Furu ad Din) in Shia teachings is Tawallah (to show nearness, love and devotion to the Ahl-al-Bayt) which is best done by remembering and honouring the memories of saints who have passed. Bassim is my means to performing this action daily – remembering the sacrifice of Imam Hussain which is what gives me life and motivation to educate others. Bassim inspires me because he delivers to me the beauty of Imam Hussain.