Idea No 15: Switch off the Lights on Shame Ghariba
When we were young, we would not be allowed to switch on lights when coming home after mosque on Shame Ghariba, lighting a few candles here and there instead. This was to try and have our homes reflect the darkness that descended on the camp of Imam Husayn (as) after the day of Ashura.
This may even be exciting and different for the young ones (I remember it was for me), but at least it will sink in their minds that Shame Ghariba means no lights…and as they grow, so will their understanding.
With little ones, candles may not be the safest option – but perhaps turning on as few lights as possible? Or even allowing the use of torches? Anything to get the message across Inshallah…
*Marking Shame Ghariba in the girls classes with candles and reflections from the girls on their learning from the event of Kerbala has now become an annual tradition in our mosque. It’s always amazing to hear the range of learning that takes place and the practical ways they want to implement it in their lives.
