Lecturer: Dr. Hasnain Walji, United Global Initiative (affiliation at the date recorded)

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Date Recorded: July 2024

Subject: This presentation explores the profound symbolism within Muharram rituals in South Asia, commemorating Imam Husain’s martyrdom at Karbala. We delve into key rituals and the creation of sacred artifacts, highlighting their role in fostering communal identity and spiritual resilience.

The universal appeal of Karbala commemoration, transcending religious and cultural boundaries, is examined along with the rationale behind creating local “Karbalas” to maintain a spiritual connection to Karbala. The timeless and universal significance of Azadari events is also discussed.

The presentation emphasizes how Muharram rituals have evolved, shaping identities and fostering unity within Shia communities worldwide. Through visual and oral traditions, these practices preserve historical memory, cultural identity, and spiritual devotion, ensuring the enduring relevance of Karbala’s lessons.

Readings: 

Francesca Galloway Gallery. “The Allure of India Company School Painting from Murshidabad & Patna 1795–1830.”

Eisenlohr, Patrick. “Atmospheric Citizenship: Sonic Movement and Public Religion in Shi ‘i Mumbai.” Public Culture 33.3 (2021): 371-392.

Ruffle, Karen G. “Gazing in the Eyes of the Martyrs: Four Theories of South Asian Shiʿi Visuality.” Journal of Material Cultures in the Muslim World 1.1-2 (2021): 268-290.

Bio: Dr Walji is a founding Director of the Karbala Center for Humanity at the University of Texas at Dallas and serves as the Executive Director of United Global Initiative – an international NGO tackling social injustices that confront our civil society.

His institutional work for the Muslim Community spans over four decades with active engagement on several boards which include The World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities, American Muslim Health Professionals, National Muslim Catholic Dialogue, the Interfaith Peace Ministry of Orange County and the Shia Muslim Council of Southern California.

As an oral historian of the community he hails from, Hasnain has produced a ground-breaking 2 hour documentary – The Khojas – A Journey of Faith spanning seven centuries.

In his golden years his passion is to make this world a better place for his seven grandchildren.