Standwithdignity: Hussain Podcast: Recent Episodes
Stand With Dignity Podcast
SWD Podcast, brought to you by The Stand With Dignity is a weekly podcast where we speak to influential and inspiring Muslims across the world. Hosted by the SWD team, the podcast delves deep into the issues affecting Western Muslims and much more!
Dr. Sayed Moustafa Qazwini will take us on a journey to The Path of Imam Hussain (a) that led to the events of Karbala.
SPACE, TIME & THE HUSSANI MOVEMENT
While having Imam Bargahs assigned within homes is a fairly common practice, the pandemic and high inflation has
ASHURA: A MOTIVATIONAL FORCE FOR ACTIVISM
The story of Imam Hussain and Sayeda Zainab has moved individuals and communities to fight for justice and
ASHURA WORLDWIDE: ASSESSING CHANGING NOTIONS OF JUSTICE
European grassroots NGO called Ashura Worldwide, which was launched in Milan in 2014. This NGO has members in
A REVIEW OF HUSSAINI POETRY
At the center of commemorative engagements is the use of poetry. Karbala has been narrated through poetry in
THE GREEN PILGRIM: A STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE ARBAEEN
Iraq has witnessed a significant increase in participation in the Arbaeen March, one of the world's largest peaceful
ASSESSING RISK AND LADY ZAINAB'S ACTIONS BEYOND KARBALA
in the 7th Century AD Zainab bint Ali, the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad asked her nephew Imam
THE IMPACT OF KARBALA ON TRAVEL & TOURISM
With visitors from across the globe, Karbala generates some of the most significant movements of people
GEOMORPHOLOGY OF NAJAF & KARBALA
Exploring the study and evolution of landforms that were both directly and indirectly caused by humans over centuries. Exploring the study and evolution of landforms that were both directly and indirectly caused by humans over centuries, and in turn, influenced the region’s cultures. In this panel, Aliya speaks about its redesign and technologies that can be used to study the region.
Join Moderator Raza Jafri & Aliya Karmali, MLA, University of Toronto.
HUSSAIN FOR ME, HUSSAIN FOR YOU, HUSSAIN FOR EVERYONE.
FLUIDITY IN COMMEMORATION
The mourning for Karbala takes on radically different versions across cultures. By all definitions, culture provides a design.The mourning for Karbala takes on radically different versions across cultures. By all definitions, culture provides a design for living, and studies reveal a significant role of culture in how Karbala is mourned – from the “Creolization” of mourning in the Caribbean to the propagation of blood donation drives, the space for Hussaini commemorations is both fluid and contentious. This panel studies how and why culture remains such a key influence in commemoration. Join Moderator Ali Al Nijjar , Lecturer & Fizza Joffery, Ph.D., University of Oxford. Ali Al Najjar: Ali Al-Najjar is one of the youngest and most influential Islamic lecturers in the west. He has lectured internationally in countries including Africa, UK, Canada and the United States of America. His father Islamic scholar Husham Al-Husainy is the director and founder of the Karbala Islamic Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Al-Najjar currently resides in Dearborn, MI. He is completing his academic studies in Islamic Studies and Psychology, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Fizza Joffery: Graduate student of religion and anthropology, I'm a doctoral student in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford. My research interests lie at the intersection of religion, politics, and culture. My focus is specifically on Pakistani Shiism. Writer + Researcher + Accumulator of Endless Projects
BEYOND THE PARTITION: HOW LAHORE SHAPES AZADARI IN THE DIASPORA
Although the Partition of India and Pakistan is often seen to have created a boundary between the two Although the Partition of India and Pakistan is often seen to have created a boundary between the two countries, Azadari rituals have created bridges for sharing and exchange. From the cross-border sharing of eulogies and mourning patterns to the movement of clerics and recitors, Azadari has built a bond between the two countries. In this session, we explore these bonds and examine the impact this has had on relations between the two countries and how that shapes Azadari in diaspora communities. Keynote: Sadia Uddin, Ph.D Candidate, York University Sadia Uddin is a Ph.D. candidate in the Humanities programme at York University. Her doctoral research examines how Muslim women are morally regulated and omitted from sociopolitical and narrative discourses using policies that are justified through cultural, religious and gendered politics in Pakistan. She has completed her Honours Bachelor’s in Political Science and South Asian Studies and also holds a Professional Certificate in Public Administration and Law, a diploma in Asian Studies and a Masters in Humanities from York University. Sadia’s research interests include postcolonial literature, public policy, human rights, religious minorities and extremism, gender violence, cultural studies, Islam and Pakistan. HUSSAIN FOR ME, HUSSAIN FOR YOU, HUSSAIN FOR EVERYONE.
NEUROSCIENCE OF AZADARI: HOW AZADARI HAS SHAPED OUR BRAINS
Our brain is now trained to recapitulate the events of Karbala by activating some specific networks that promote it. Our brain is now trained to recapitulate the events of Karbala by activating some specific networks that promote empathy, a sense of sacrifice, righteousness, courage to stand up to a tyrant and support for the oppressed. It is important to note that the same networks are activated when we recall the attributed names of the Almighty. Keynote by Dr. Naweed Syed, Neuroscientist In his research, Dr. Syed utilizes modern, state-of-the-art electrophysiological, patch clamp, time-lapse video and fluorescence imaging, cell culture and molecular biological techniques. His prime interest is in the cellular and molecular basis of rhythm generation and specific synapse formation. Dr. Syed specifically studies the intrinsic and network properties of various neuronal ensembles which underlie rhythmic behaviours. He is also interested in investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying nervous system development, plasticity, regeneration and degeneration. His lab also pioneered several neuron-chip interfacing technologies to monitor brain cell activities from cultured and intact brain slices in both invertebrate and vertebrate neurons. HUSSAIN FOR ME, HUSSAIN FOR YOU, HUSSAIN FOR EVERYONE.
SOCIAL MEDIA & THE #HUSSAIN MOVEMENT
Campaigns such as #whoisHussain have opened up a necessary conversation around the role of social media in generating Campaigns such as #whoisHussain have opened up a necessary conversation around the role of social media in generating awareness around Karbala. New Media theorists caution against the use of social media for the sake of production alone – instead, given the hermeneutics involved, we are advised to analyze engagement. How can social media be used to effectively further the conversation? Is there a need to coach the next cohort of Hussaini influencers? Join Moderator Zainab Zaidi alongside Ghazi Taimoor, Personal Blogger & Mehak Ali, Blogger. Ghazi Taimoor: Graduated from Harvard and is a social media personal blogger, spreading the love of the AhleBayt through his personal journey and personalities he meets along the way that shares the same interest Mehak Ali: Mother of 2, leading multiple DNVB brands , with special interest on chemical free sustainable products HUSSAIN FOR ME, HUSSAIN FOR YOU, HUSSAIN FOR EVERYONE.
MOURNING AS A POLITICAL PARLANCE
The inspirational ethos of Karbala to stand up against oppression remains undoubted. However, how do eulogies and self-flagellation The inspirational ethos of Karbala to stand up against oppression remains undoubted. However, how do eulogies and self-flagellation impact the political milieu? This panel studies poems such as Agha Shahid Ali’s Muharram in Srinagar and discusses their impact on political reasoning. While a tricky question, this panel discusses the role of mourning ceremonies in disrupting political hegemonies and offering new rationales. Keynote: Avi Astor, Professor, Department De Sociologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. HUSSAIN FOR ME, HUSSAIN FOR YOU, HUSSAIN FOR EVERYONE.
VR, AR & The Karbala Metaverse
The release of VR Karbala ushered in a new model of experiencing the events of Karbala. While VR The release of VR Karbala ushered in a new model of experiencing the events of Karbala. While VR Karbala evoked a significant emotional response, it advanced the conversation on how effective VR, AR and gamified delivery can shape the Karbala narrative. The objective here is not only to evaluate the effectiveness of these new technologies but also to determine the support structures and training required to continue to scale them. The time is not far off where a conversation about an Imambargah or Hussainiya in the Metaverse will emerge. The Shia diaspora is spread globally, and with the rising costs of living, we are witnessing a movement of Shia families into rural, remote communities with limited to no physical centres to access. What will the virtual Imambargah look like going into the future, and what are the core activities we need to initiate to support the global Shia community?
THE ART OF KARBALA
We are surrounded by signs of God. Art represents symbols and signs that evoke the heart to see We are surrounded by signs of God. Art represents symbols and signs that evoke the heart to see and feel that words fail to convey. Art representing Imam Hussain, therefore, becomes a means to connect to the Divine through Imam Hussain- a divine symbol of love and truth. Join Moderator Hussein Sajjad Hussein and Fatimah Agha Public Speaker. Fatimah Agha has been a public speaker on Islam and spirituality for the past 14 years. She is a mother to three children, with the eldest being 14 years old. Fatimah began her public role as a speaker for children, and being a mother has been the most important part of her learning journey. She is presently an outreach student in Islamic mysticism and philosophy at the Al Mahdi Institute in Birmingham. Fatimah also has a leadership role on the MindValley ) forum as an ambassador/coach for their " Awaken the Species Program". Being an Islamic visual artist, and a Spiritual-Art teacher she combines her mystical inclinations and meditation practice with her passion for artistic expression as a path to connecting with the Divine, the One who is nothing but beauty.
Imam Ali (as) & Prophet Jesus (as): Worldliness & Spirituality | Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani
Fadak: the Dowry of Khadija (AS) | Sayed Muhammed Baqir Qazwini at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo
Why am I a Shia? | Sayed Muhammed Baqir Qazwini at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo | Ramadan 2022
Shia-Sunni discussion series:Muharram a Time for Sacrifice and Reformation:Prof Inamul Haque
For Love of Hussain
The world’s largest annual pilgrimage is not one of celebration, nor is it a gathering of happiness. Attracting record numbers year after year, the world’s largest annual gathering is known as Arba’een. Literally meaning “forty”, Arba’een marks the forty-day mourning period of Imam Hussain, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, after he was killed on Ashura in Karbala, Iraq. Following his death by the army of Yazid, Hussain’s decapitated head, along with the heads of the soldiers who died alongside him, were pushed onto a spike and marched through the cities. His family, forced into chains at the hands and feet, marched behind him. The fortieth day marks the time his family and his head returned to Karbala, where his head was properly buried alongside his body.
Ashura -An Enduring Social Justice and The Tragedy of Karbala belongs to all of Humanity
A Reminder Why a World stricken by Fear, Oppression and Corruption Needs Imam Hussain (as)
Hear about this project from the producers. Share your experience reaching out to a larger audience to spread Imam Husain(as) universal message. MC: Sr. Sarah Mokh Panelists: Rev. John Shuck, Dr. Yassir Haider, Dr. Kashif Haider, Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Sayed Mahdi Modaressi
Berak Hussain is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) Were it not for the strong stance of the women of Karbala and one in particular, Zainab, the sister of Hussain, Islam and any stance for human rights as we know it today would have been wiped out. In the opulent courtyards of the palaces of Yazid, Zainab’s voice and unwavering words shook the core of a sleeping nation and revived the message of a revolution that we still see today from 1400 years ago. A woman did this. When we take a look at using faith and confidence to deal with the effects of hardships, one can not forget the Lady of patience herself, Lady Zainab. Her stance with power and dignity with undeterred faith, against the trauma she witnessed, against the hate she faced epitomises her strength, her light and guidance as a source of inspiration for all us seen through her words of ” I see nothing but beauty”
Nimr Baqr al-Nimr (Arabic: نمر باقر النمر) (or Nimr Baqir al-Namr, Nimr Bakir al-Nimr, Nemr Baqir al-Nemr) is an independent Shia Sheikh in al-Awamiyah, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. He is popular among youth and critical of the Saudi Arabian government. He claimed that he was beaten by Mabahith when arrested in 2006. In 2009, he criticised Saudi authorities and suggested secession of the Eastern Province if Saudi Shias’ rights were not better respected. A warrant for his arrest was issued and 35 people were arrested. During the 2011–2012 Saudi Arabian protests, al-Nimr called for protestors to resist police bullets using “the roar of the word” rather than violence, predicted the overthrow of the government if repression continued, and was seen by The Guardian as having “taken the lead in the uprising”. On 8 July 2012 al-Nimr was shot by police in the leg and arrested, in what police described as an exchange of gunfire, however many human rights groups have described police accounts as “fantastical.” The Asharq Center for Human Rights expressed concern for al-Nimr’s health during his hunger strike on 21 August, calling for international support to allow access by family, lawyer and human rights activists. On 15 October 2014, al-Nimr was sentenced to death by the Specialized Criminal Court for “seeking ‘foreign meddling’ in Saudi Arabia, ‘disobeying’ its rulers and taking up arms against the security forces” and his brother, Mohammad al-Nimr, was arrested on the same day for tweeting information about the death sentence.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad 1st President of India The sacrifice of Imam Hussain is not limited to one country, or nation, but it is the hereditary state of the brotherhood of all mankind.
Maulana Syed Ali Raza Rizvi is a great scholar and Aalim-e-Deen. He was raised in Birmingham, UK. His intial religious education began in Birmingham. Then he moved to Qum for higher education. He has spoken around the world in more than 30 countries. He studied in Hoza-e-Qum of Iran for several years and graduated in 1998 with dual Masters in Islamic Studies and Arabic. He has written and translated several books in English. Some of those are: Kitab al-Tawhid by Shaykh Saduq (the Book of Divine Unity), Introduction to Islam, Islamic Laws.
Joshua Charbonneau is an American Muslim. He was born in 1982 in Sumter, South Carolina. He is of French Canadian and American descent. He was born into a Christian family, and later chose to revert to Shi’a Islam at the age of 17, having studied both faiths. After reverting to Islam he chose the name Mateen which in Arabic means strong, firm and unshakable. His first language is English and he also learned Quranic Arabic. At age 26 he moved to Washington, DC and has been an active part of the Muslim community. He took part in a documentary by Al-Anwar Hussain TV entitled Journey of the Spirit where he narrated his incredible story on how he became a Shia Muslim. In 2012 he had the opportunity to travel with the members of Al-Anwar Hussain TV to visit the Holy shrines of Imam Ali (as) and Imam Hussain (as) in Iraq for Ziyarat Arbaeen. Since March of 2013 he has been studying Howza (Islamic Seminary) classes under the guidance of Sheikh Mustafa Akhound at the Imam Ali Center of Springfield, VA. Mateen has also compiled and published some very in-depth books entitled The Suffering of the Ahl ul Bayt and their Followers (Shia) throughout History , Christians who defended and died for Prophet Muhammad and his Family and Mystery of the Shia. These titles are available at Amazon. In 2014 he co-founded a publication company entitled Yasin Publications and also a program to send free books to prisoners entitled 2nd Chance Books.
Diane D’Souza, Director of Continuing Education at Episcopal Divinity School and of Mission Institute