Ashura observed in Kashmir with full religious solemnity

BAGH - MIRPUR ( AJK ) Jan. 8 (APP): Amidst exceptionally‑tightened security arrangements Ashura, the sanctified day of the global history and a unique icon of the supreme sacrifice, made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions for the cause of Islam, was observed with religious fervor, reverence and solemnity at both sides of the line of control in the Himalayan State of Jammu & Kashmir on the 10th of Muharram, Thursday with a steadfast resolve to fight against all types of tyrannical forces, wherever they exist to accomplish the cherished mission, to take to the great mission, the glory of Islam, in all circumstances.

This exceptionally important day dawned with special prayers by the faithful at all mosques and Imambargahs, on both sides of the LoC with Nimaz‑e‑Fajar.

In Azad Jammu Kashmir, Alam, ZulÆjinnah and Tazia processions were brought out from Imambargahs which culminated at their fixed spots after marching through their tradition routes in all eight district headquarters of AJK including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bhimbher, Bagh, Sudahnoti, Rawalakot and Neelam valley besides all other major and small towns across the liberated territory.

A large number of social and political and religious organizations representing all sects of the society as well as individuals had established stalls nÆ sabeels of juices and sweet water on the processionsÆ route to facilitate the faithful in each and every nook and corner of Azad Jammu Kashmir.

Public and private hospitals and Edhi like welfare organisatgions also provided ambulances to go along the processions. Re‑calling the martyrdom of Hazarat Imam Hussain (AS), Ulema and Zakerin during the course of the procession delivered speeches highlighting the great essence of the day.

Like elsewhere, in Mirpur, the divisional and district administration, led by Commissioner Ehsan Khalid Kiyani, DIG Police Sheikh Tahir Qayyum, DC Arbab Khalid Abbasi, Additional SP Ch. Munir Hussain, ASP Hassan Qayyum and other senior officers, had made convoluted security arrangements to ensure safeguarding of peace and harmony during the course of processionùstarting from Markazi Imambargah SaÆadat colony, and heavy contingents of police remained alert in an amiable way till the time the ZulÆjinnah procession reached its set destination. All entering the Muharram procession was thoroughly checked by the volunteers of Imamia Youth wing.

Majlis‑i‑Sham‑i‑Ghariban was yet another key event of the day where Nohas and Marsias were recited paying beguiling tributes to the martyrs of Karbala.

As usual, it was an unparalleled manifestation of unity, cohesion and brotherhood as a result of which absolute was evident ever since the first days of Muharram‑ul‑Haram.

Ulema in meticulous and people in broad‑spectrumùalong with social organizations, volunteers, notables and government personnel deserve a spontaneous gratitude for their splendid nÆ round‑the‑clock cohesion, backed by a persistent vigil which did not allow any problematic episode to crop up.

Leading religious scholars and eminent leaders including Sayed Mahmood Hussain Bukhari, Vice President Islami Tehrik Pakistan, Supreme head of Anjuman‑a‑Imamia Mirpur Sayed Zahoor Hussain Shah, Agha Sajaad Hussain, Sayed Nishat Hussain Kazmi, Presidenrt Anuman‑e‑Immamia Sayed Sarfraz Hussain Kazmi, General Secretary Sayed Asher Himdani and Dr. Sayed Abid Hussain Shah were prominent among others who led Alam, Zuljinnah and Tazia processions taken out from Markazi Imam Bargah Sadaat Colony.

Paying glorious tributes to the martyrs of Karbala including Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and his companions for the cause of Islam, at Imambargh Sadaat Colony and Alraie Squire, uleme and Zakirs including Moulana Tanveer Shirazi, Moulana Akhter Abass, Moulana Zulfiqar Ali Baloach and others said ôthe event of Karbala inspires us to uphold the glory of Islam. They continued by adding that æwe should not hesitate to render any sacrifice, even of our lives, for the lofty ideals of Islam. They said, the Muslims the world over are mourning the great martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) in a strong‑willed way. Though the tenth of Muharram, the Ashura, is very important for diverse reasons, nevertheless, it gains special impact as Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)’s martyrdom and the event of Karbala also occurred on this day.

They urged the nation to work for creating an atmosphere of brotherhood, sacrifice and moderation by transcending their mutual differences.

Speakers said that the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) had earned an elevation for Islam and the Muslims; they said and added that his great sacrifice has given us the lesson that irrespective of the limited material resources and numbers, “the real power lies in the truthfulness of the objectives.”

Hence the struggle against tyrannyùinitiated by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) along with his companions “is a shining minaret of humanity, patience, perseverance, courage and determination, they added.

Courtesy: APP