The following pages are based on a report of an Address which I delivered in London at an Ashura Majlis on Thursday the 28th May, 1931 (Muharram 1350 A.H.), at the Waldorf Hotel. The report was subsequently corrected and slightly expanded. The Majlis was a notable gathering, which met at the invitation of Mr. A. S. M. Anik. Nawab Sir Umar Hayat Khan, Tiwana, presided and members of all schools of thought in Islam, as well as non-Muslims, joined reverently in doing honour to the memory of the great Martyr of Islam. By its inclusion in the Progressive Islam Pamphlets series, it is hoped to reach a larger public than were able to be present in person. Perhaps, also, it may help to strengthen the bonds of brotherly love which unite all who hold sacred the ideals of brotherhood preached by the Prophet in his last Sermon. 

Ashura Day, the day whereby millions of Muslims all over the world commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S.) which took place in Karbala, Iraq on the 10th of Muharram 61 A.H. (680 AD), creates a historical symbol of unity and struggle against evil, injustice, and oppression.

Imam Hussain ('a) sacrificed his life along with 72 other believing men, all for the sake of Truth. The rise and advent of Islam are attributed to Prophet Muhammad ('s), whilst the continuity and stability of his faith is attributed to his grandson, Imam Hussain Ibn Ali ('a).

Humanity has been provided with many lessons to learn from the events at Karbala. It is a source of divine enlightenment and a true road to the salvation of mankind.