BMM Kenya - Muharram 2025 Report

Ashara Husainiya

MUHARRAM 2025

 Muharram has returned

The dust of Karbala stirs once more

As hearts across the world echo ‘we are with you Husain’.

With generous support from a compassionate global community, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya facilitated Majalis al Husain over the first 10 days of Muharram at 46 community centres in Kwale, Mombasa, Makueni and Taita Taveta counties of Kenya.

Ashara Husainiya commemorations in Rural Kenya 

Whilst the majority of majalis were held at community centres, a handful were organized in small villages located in the close vicinity of the centres – at the homes of community members who wished to host the gatherings and welcome Imam al Hujjah (atfs) and Lady Fatima Zahra (‘a) into their humble abodes. Sunni Shiekhs were invited at some centres and they not only obliged, but fully participated in the azadari.

Tabarruk was provided daily by way of juice and biscuits and on Ashura Day, meat pilaw was served, having been kindly prepared by dedicated volunteers.

Other noteworthy initiatives included special supplications of the Day of Ashura, Qur’an recitation and tafseer sessions, Youth dialogue circles and charity drives. To further engage children and youth, coloring books were handed out at all madaris and other activities included quizzes and essay writing. Social and humanitarian outreach programs included large peaceful processions, mawkibs handing out drinks and charity drives for needy community members.

A session comprising some of the recommended duas and prayers for the Day of Ashura was captured live at Ar-Ridha Centre in the semi-rural town of Mtongwe. The session continued with maraathi, a heart wrenching recitation from the maqtal and latmiyat, as cries of ‘Ya Hussain Habibi’ and ‘Labbayka ya Shaheed’ resonated through the centre – all of which was livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Majalis at Bilal Hall in Mombasa – Day 1 to 9

Bilal Hall in Mombasa transformed into a dedicated Husainiya, hosting majalis for the first 9 days. Two sessions were held daily, with ladies gathering in the mornings at 11am and the gents paying tribute at 5 pm. The programs were livestreamed daily and lectures centered around the theme ‘Karbala and its relevance and importance today’, Programs concluded with the distribution of tabarruk which comprised freshly cooked sweet and savory snacks, biscuits and juices. Alhamdulillah there was commendable turnout with Day 9 numbers recorded at 190 for the gents and 126 in the ladies.

Final Reflections 

The remembrance of Imam Husain (a.s) remains central to our work and to our identity. Through these majalis and related activities, we aim not only to honour his sacrifice, but also to teach his message and pass it on in a way that is relevant, grounded and sincere.

We thank all our generous donors, volunteers who served quietly in the background and all those who participated. May the message of Karbala live on through majalis, community bonds and the values instilled in our youth.

We also thank Africa Federation and World Federation for their long-standing support and encouragement.

We pray for the quick reappearance of Imam Al Hujjah (a.t.f.s).

Communications Secretariat

Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya

17^th July 2025