And All of Creation Wept

“The skies and their inhabitants wept, as did Paradise and its keepers, the mountains and their surroundings, the oceans and their fishes, the heavens and their servants."

- Ziyarat Nahiya

Join Ma’rifa on Saturday, August 9th for our fourth annual in-person Muharram gathering: And All of Creation Wept. Taking place in Swarthmore, PA, this immersive event invites us to reflect on remembrance as a sacred, collective act of presence. As we inherit the story of Karbala from those before us, how are we called to carry it forward tomorrow?

Poetry and reflections from community members will explore Karbala as a tradition shaped by all of creation. From Sayyeda Zainab’s original account in the court of Yazid to today’s majaalis and communal witnessing, how does Karbala frame our grief and our worldview? Just as our gatherings have adapted to new cities and environments, our recitations have shifted in form and language, and our lamentations have become metaphors for the tragedies of our time, how do we become active participants in remaking old traditions into new ones that both shape us and the lessons we draw from Karbala?

We will be joined by Sasa and Hussayn Aakil, Sarah Mokh, Imrul Mazid, Zahraa Mohammad, and Mirzya Haider, among other reciters and performers. The event is open to all with activities for children.