Sayyed Ali Fadlullah: "Ashoura: The apex of sacrifice"

Following is a summary:The First SermonIn the first sermon, Sayyed Ali Fadlullah talked about one of the most prominent lessons of Ashoura; sacrifice, which was represented by the martyrdom of Imam Al-Hussein (a.s.), some of his household members and his companions.He explained that this martyrdom was not sought to attain any personal gains; but rather, to make reform in the nation of Islam. The Sayyed cited several examples of this sacrifice, including the refusal of his companions to leave him and let him fight alone.In addition to his family, the companions of Al-Hussein also made the greatest sacrifice; they gave up their own lives for his sake. The Sayyed explained that those people were not marginal. They were prominent figures in the society and wealthy, but they gave up everything and went to fight and become martyrs in the course of enjoining right and forbidding evil.Based on this, the Sayyed explained that the true meaning of sacrifice is not to give what you do not actually need; it is to give from the basic essentials you need in life, including your time, money, health and even yourself.The Sayyed then called for practicing sacrifice in our contemporary life and for educating people on the value of sacrifice.The Second SermonIn the second sermon, Sayyed Ali Fadlullah, began by saluting the victory achieved by Gaza. He explained that this victory was not spontaneous; but rather, the outcome of much consistent efforts, whether by the militants themselves or those who helped them by providing them with money and arms.The Sayyed added that we ought to preserve this victory by unifying the Palestinian front and strengthening the Palestinian national unity and the Arab and Muslim solidarity with the Palestinian people.The Sayyed also talked about the bleeding wound in Syria. He asserted that there are several regional and international axes that wish to prolong and intensify the conflict in Syria, and called for a peaceful solution that would prevent further bloodshed.As for Lebanon, the Sayyed said that on the occasion of the Independence Day, we have to be aware that we are living in a difficult stage in the region with dangerous repercussions on the country. Therefore, we need to engage in a dialogue to circumvent any plot that would exploit this tense situation and to lay the foundation for a peaceful future…/129