 to ask, why do Shi'a provide food at Majalis? Food is an important part of any human being's life as it nourishes our body and gives us energy. When it comes to mourning for Ahl al-Bayt al-Salam, crying and grieving can take a toll on the body and leave you feeling drained and exhausted. Therefore, it was custom of Ahl al-Bayt al-Salam to provide food and drink for their guests of the Majalis. Omar the son of Imam Zayn al-Abdina al-Salam narrates, My father would provide food for the mourners at the Majalis of his father, Imam al-Hussein al-Salam. Imam Masaliq al-Salam narrates that Lady Rabab, the widow of Imam al-Hussein al-Salam, that some of her neighbors in Medina advised her that the consumption of Sawiq, a traditional drink made from wheat and barley, increases the tears so that she therefore had Sawiq prepared so she could keep weeping for the Imam. In addition, Lady Rabab calls for food and Sawiq to be catered for and served for her guests when she held Majalis. She said, We are in need of this food and drink to replenish our energy such that we may renew our weeping and mourning for Imam al-Hussein al-Salam. As mourners are guests of Imam al-Hussein al-Salam, the organizers of these events take great care to serve them and make sure they are happy and comfortable. The food is not just the means of thanks for attending, but also it is a great source of blessings as this food has been prepared for in the name of Imam al-Hussein al-Salam himself. In addition, for those who walk towards Karbala for the Arabain pilgrimage, the visitors will find an array of stations serving free food and drink for those who are walking. These stations are known as Mawakibs, are run by people who save up all year just to be able to buy food and drink to serve to the people as this is their honor to be able to serve to the visitors of Imam al-Hussein al-Salam. These services are truly valuable to those who are walking for days just to reach Karbala and they are a welcome relief. May Allah SWT reward all those who prepare and serve food for our Majalis and on our ziyarat throughout these holy days. Hello.