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[Insaan]

The tradition of establishing mawkibs during Muharram is a beautiful expression of love for Imam Hussain (AS). Across the world, believers offer food, water, and hospitality as an act of devotion and service. The spirit behind these efforts is noble and worthy of appreciation.

As our community in Dar es Salaam continues to grow, it is important to reflect on how our acts of service can best benefit both visitors and the wider community.

In the vicinity of the mosque, several mawkibs operate simultaneously during Muharram. While each is established with sincere intentions, the concentration of multiple mawkibs in a small area can create practical challenges. Roads become crowded, access to the mosque becomes more difficult, and women, children, and elderly attendees often find it harder to move comfortably through the area. In addition, the increased volume of disposable food containers and packaging can lead to litter and unnecessary waste.

This raises an important question. If the objective is service in the name of Imam Hussain (AS), are there ways to extend that service beyond the immediate mosque surroundings?

Some possibilities could include:

* Establishing mawkibs in neighbourhoods further from the mosque.
* Supporting underserved communities with food distribution.
* Providing water stations, medical support, or transportation assistance.
* Coordinating among organisations to reduce duplication and maximise impact.
* Investing part of the resources into educational, charitable, or welfare initiatives inspired by the values of Karbala.

The lesson of Karbala is not only generosity but also wisdom, compassion, and responsibility towards society. As we honour Imam Hussain (AS), it may be worthwhile to consider how our resources, energy, and dedication can bring the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people.

The question is not whether mawkibs should exist. Rather, it is how we can ensure that their noble purpose is fulfilled in the most effective and meaningful way possible.

[Insaan]

Thanx for this topic

Yesterday I observed two incidents outside Mehfil abbas as that schocked me

A man was forcefully physically pushed away by the guards and got hurt

And ladies and gents were rubbing shoulders in that small bottleneck




How can we make it more aligned with Husayni values?

[Moonbeam]

great discussion and very well put together thoughts..

its sad though how ladies are flocking these mawkibs after majlis, as if we dont have access to these kind of food in our daily normal lives.
Then male volunteers have to navigate the traffic around ladies and ensure that discpline is maintained.
And the bystanders watching us, and wishing they were getting that food..
The litter around the area is another issue, does not reflect our Husayni values and akhlaq at all..

If it was being served to all without discrimination, this would be a great way of propagating the msg of Imam Husayn, like in arbaeen everyone is served regardless of who you are.

[Gethelp]

I understand and appreciate the point you are making. I also agree that investing some of these resources into long-term projects such as water dispensers, schools, hospitals, or other community welfare initiatives could have a lasting impact and would certainly reflect the spirit of service taught by Imam Hussain (AS).

At the same time, speaking from personal experience, I am always happy to take tabarruk from the mawkibs. One reason is that, unfortunately, there have been occasions inside the mosque where, when requesting extra tabarruk for someone who is sick, elderly, or unable to attend, the response has been discourteous or dismissive. In contrast, the volunteers at many mawkibs often offer tabarruk with a smile, kindness, and respect, which makes a real difference.

Perhaps one area that also deserves attention is the experience people have when receiving tabarruk inside Imamwada. Service in the name of Imam Hussain (AS) should be accompanied by good akhlaq, patience, and compassion. I sometimes wish that more attention would be given to selecting and guiding tabarruk distributors, ensuring that those serving at the front are not only organised but also embody the kindness and humility expected from those representing such a noble cause.

After all, people may forget what was given to them, but they rarely forget how they were treated.