The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided not to permit the 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar, scheduled from Abi Guzar to Ali Park Zadibal.

Sources quoted by the news agency KNS said that officials cited concerns over potential disturbances to peace and the risk of triggering law and order issues as reasons for the decision.

They said that the move aims to prevent any incidents that could disrupt public safety and security in the valley.

When contacted, the Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian’s representative on Interfaith Dialogue Chapter Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, who was leading negotiations with the administration, confirmed the ban and said their organisation was called today by the Divisional Administration and was told about the decision.

He said that Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian condemn the unnecessary ban and proves that instability still prevails and nothing has changed on the ground except optics.

PULWAMA — In Gangoo area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district, the Shia Muslim community observed the sacred occasion of Ashura on Saturday, July 29, 2023, with heartfelt mourning and solemn rituals.

This day holds immense significance for Muslims around the world, as it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who sacrificed his life for social justice during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

On Ashura, the Shia Muslims gathered in mosques to pray and express their grief, paying homage to Imam Hussein's legacy. Many followers dressed in black as a symbol of mourning and took to the streets, participating in the poignant ritual of self-flagellation while chanting "Ya Ali" and "Ya Hussain" to signify their pain and loss.

In Gangoo area, the commemoration of Ashura took on a compassionate and communal dimension. Government departments, volunteers, and self-help groups came together to extend their support and ensure the smooth observance of the day. They pitched tents along the path of the procession, providing drinking water and beverages to the mourners and taking care that roads remained unblocked.

Preparedness for any medical emergencies was also evident, with several ambulances stationed on standby. Free medical check-up camps were set up along the way, exemplifying the spirit of empathy and care within the community.

Muharram, the holy month of mourning, commenced on July 19th, 2023. As the first month of the Islamic or Hijri calendar, Muharram holds special religious significance and is considered the "sacred month of Allah." During this period, prayers, storytelling, weeping, and chest-beating are carried out in remembrance of the sacrifices made during Ashura.

It is worth noting that while Shia Muslims observe Ashura with self-flagellation, Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, participate in fasting. They mark Ashura as the victory of Moses over the Egyptian Pharaoh, thereby showing solidarity with the grief of Imam Hussein's loss.

The observance of Ashura in Gangoo serves as a poignant reminder of the unity that transcends religious beliefs in times of grief and remembrance. The collective support provided by the community, government, and volunteers highlights the essence of compassion and understanding, fostering a sense of togetherness in the face of adversity.

SRINAGAR — Amid the historic 8th Muharram procession taken out in Srinagar, locals as well as religious leaders carried along the copies of Quran with them to express their love and send out a message against the burning of the holy book in Sweden.

Younis Bashir, a Shia mourner who came to participate in the historical Muharram procession, told the news agency KNO that he condemned the unholy act, saying the Quran teaches tolerance and brotherhood.

“We have to have respect for every religious book, be it ‘Taurat, Injeel, Zuboor or Quran’, but in the case of Sweden, I fail to understand what they are doing,” he said.

A religious leader, Aga Syed Abid Hussain, said the burning of the Quran is condemnable, and Muslims should raise their voices against the act. “We should come to the forefront to show our love and support for the Quran,” he added.

Similarly, many mourners said they were carrying Quran along with them in the historical rally to send out a message and condemn the burning of the Quran.

In January 2023, the Danish-Swedish far-right politician burned a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish embassy.

SRINAGAR — For the first time after three decades, thousands of Shia mourners hit the traditional routes of Srinagar to take out 8th Muharram procession.

Amid praises for Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), thumping their chests and recitation of praises for Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the historic procession started from Guru Bazar area of the city that passed through Budshah Chowk to M. A. Road and then Dalgate, peacefully.

It was after more than three decades that the LG Manoj Sinha-led administration decided to allow the Shia mourners to take out 8th Muharram procession through traditional routes. The administration had fixed 6 am to 8 am as the time for the mourners to pass through the traditional routes. Shia leaders and clerics have welcomed the move and hailed the administration for this historic decision.

As per the news agency KNO, thousands of mourners from different parts of Kashmir while walking peacefully through the streets of Srinagar were seen beating chests, holding tall flags (Alams) of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and chanting praises and Nouhas in favour of grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“We are grateful to the LG administration for allowing us to take out a procession after such a long gap. This is indeed a pleasure and a great moment for us,” said a mourner, Altaf Hussain. He said Muharram gives a reminder to every Muslim to follow the footsteps of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and to follow in his footsteps.

Itehadul Muslimeen leader Masroor Abbas Ansari said that the UT government’s decision to allow the 8th Muharram procession is a historic decision. “The mourners followed proper discipline and the procession passed off in a very peaceful manner. Earlier, mourners were cane charged and even put behind bars as well. Peaceful conduct of today’s procession indicates that disallowing the same procession in the past many years was based on lame excuses,” he said.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) said a security review meeting was held in Srinagar yesterday in which it was decided to allow the 8th Muharram procession through traditional routes. “Officers and men were deployed on roads at 2 am to ensure peaceful conduct of the procession. And so far, the procession is going on peacefully,” he said. "We had put a three-tier security system in place."

Present on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Asad said that it was after over three decades that the Muharram procession was allowed. “I would say this is one of the peace dividends,” he said, adding that mourners have cooperated and so has the administration.

SMC Mayor Junaid Azim Matoo said that it’s a display of faith after a long time on the streets of Srinagar and he thanked the LG administration for the historic decision. “Mourners are walking peacefully and I hope restrictions will be lifted on Muharram 10th, also known as Ashura,” he said.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bhiduri said he was happy to see the great enthusiasm among the mourners. “Everything happened peacefully. Mourners cooperated with us on all fronts and reciprocated the same. As far as the arrangements, we did whatever was possible within the shortest possible time,” he said.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam on Tuesday said that the moon for Muharram-ul-Haram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, was not sighted anywhere and that Thursday would be the first day of the new Islamic Year – 1445 AH.

Talking to the news agency KNO, the Grand Mufti said that no witnesses could be made available on record regarding the sighting of the moon from any part of Kashmir or Jammu divisions.

“The Islamic New Year will now start from Thursday, July 20, and the Ashura will be observed on July 29,” he said.

In his message to Muslims of J&K, Grand Mufti urged Muslims to observe the ensuing Ashura with austerity and asked them to pray for the overall well-being of the Ummah, especially of the youth.

“People should refrain from indulging in immodest activities in the month of Muharram,” he said and added, “The Ashura has a fundamental message that we should not bow before falsehood and instead remain steadfast on what our religion teaches us.”

The Grand Mufti said Muhrram teaches us to remain steadfast on the path of Islam and follow in the footsteps of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), who was martyred along with 70 of his family members in the battle of Karbala some 1400 years ago.

Islam is a religion that begins as well as ends on sacrifice. The first month of the Islamic calendar starts with the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions, in Karbala and ends with the sacrifice of Hazrat Abraham, when he was to sacrifice his son in the way of Allah, to test his loyalty and to make him a role model to be followed by Hazrat Usmaan and Hazrat Imam Hussain, respectively. But here we are going to talk about the lessons taught by the event of Karbala.

There are many lessons to be learnt from the unique event. A reasonable person can draw many lessons from Karbala. It should be kept in mind that barring prejudiced minds, no one can deny the universal messages of Muharram or Karbala. The lessons we keep learning from Karbala are discussed in the coming lines.

The first is giving one’s life for truth. Muharram teaches us that for the sake of truth, life must be sacrificed so that truth doesn’t die. Imam Hussain did the same. At that time, there were many pious people, who were deeply religious, but they were not ready to do what Imam Hussain and his Companions did.

At that time, Madina was the centre of religious rituals and customs, but at the helm of affairs, there were the people, who would use religion for some gains, but no one could afford to challenge the authority. However, it was only Imam Hussain and his progeny, who, for the sake of Islam, sacrificed their lives for the truth and that is the noble cause.

The second is preferring long-lasting gains over short-term gains. Imam Hussain and his family didn’t crave for worldly belongings. However, if they had craved for it, they would have got it. But they knew this fact that their home was the home, where Allah’s angels used to visit. It was the home where the world has no importance. It was the home, where the rivers of morality used to flow.

In the home of humility, materialism has no value. Wealth, lavish buildings, sweet dishes, slaves at service, etc., were useless in their eyes. Keeping these teachings in mind, Imam Hussain was brought up. It left an indelible mark on his life and paved the way for Karbala.

The third is love for Allah. The aim of life is to please Allah. This aim was always in the eyes of Imam Hussain. All the worldly things, plus our beautiful bodies, are Allah’s gifts. If these are sacrificed in the way of Allah, then it is a source of eternal happiness. The Giver takes back the things, which He had given us as gifts for a time being to be taken care of. This truth was given the practical shape by Imam in the hot sands of Karbala.

The fourth and last is to live for a cause. Imam had a cause to live for. Islam was completed in his house and he made its protection and to be Allah’s religion’s supporter, the cause to live for. At that time, there were many causes to live for. He could have remained silent and enjoyed every luxury. But he could not afford to follow others and see his grandfather’s religion manipulated by so-called champions of Islam. Imam's cause is Karbala's message.

In short, Muharram teaches the universal message of truth, loyalty, honesty, sacrificing one’s life for the sake of truth, etc., that are to be followed in letter and spirit. Commemorating martyrs on this occasion is a pious job, but how far we have been able to universalize the message of Muharram, is a question to be asked.

Muharram, which is a significant month in the Islamic calendar, is not facing challenges from outside forces. Instead, the challenges associated with Muharram are arising from within the community. In other words, the problems and obstacles related to the observance or commemoration of Muharram are internal issues that the community needs to address and resolve from within. These internal challenges could be related to how people observe the month, understand its significance, or uphold its teachings and values. The focus should be on addressing these internal issues to better preserve the true spirit and meaning of Muharram.

In our ranks, there are people like those, who shed the blood of Imam and his family. There are 57 Muslim countries, which can become one in the name of Imam Hussain and disseminate the real message of Karbala. How long shall we remember Imam for a specific number of days? It is a shame for us.

In our homes, there is no Hussainiyat. However, our homes are the homes of Yazidiyat. Throw out Yazids from your hearts, homes, societies, etc. If not, then Imam has to come back again to get martyred for the sake of our survival. Long live Islam! May Allah be pleased with Imam and his family!

SRINAGAR — Amid restrictions in the city centre Lal Chowk, Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), was observed across Kashmir valley on Tuesday with religious gaiety and mourning.

Remembering the supreme sacrifice of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), mourning processions were taken out across Kashmir valley throughout the day wherein glowing tributes were paid to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions who laid down their lives during the battle of Karbala against evil, falsehood and oppression.

Clad in black attire, carrying black banners, mourners paid respect to Imam (AS) and his companions while taking out huge mourning processions at several places. The district’s largest Ashura procession with Zuljanah, Alam and Tazia was held on its traditional route from Aalipora Bota Kadal, to the historic Imambargah of Zadibal.

Over 10,000 Shia Muslim mourners, including a large number of women, participated in the procession while reciting Marsthiya Majalis (an elegy to remember Karbala) and Noha (an elegy depicting Hussain's martyrdom).

While addressing the gathering at Aalipora, Agha Syed Alsafvi Al Mousavi said that the tragic battle of Karbala teaches sacrifice and perseverance for advancing the cause of truth. Thousands of devotees attended the congregation to remember the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS) and his pious companions on the battlefield of Karbala.

Mousavi added that the event of Karbala immortalized the fact that ultimately truth prevails and falsehood perishes. Senior religious and political leaders of the community were also part of the processions at different places which later passed off peacefully.

Tight security arrangements were put into place in Srinagar by the authorities to thwart any untoward incident.

The Alam and Zuljanah processions were also carried out in other parts of the city and the Valley. Thousands of people in the districts of Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal and Panner Jagir Tral attended the Ashura processions and paid rich tributes to Karbala martyrs. The processions were also held in Shahoo, Sachen, Vangaam of Devsar Tehsil in Kulgam district.

A similar procession was held in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, where Shia Muslims were seen mourning and performing the ritual of self-flagellation.

In the deserts of Karbala, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Imam Hussain (AS), laid down his life along with 72 other aides, who included his family, children and acquaintances, on the 10th of Muharram. The day is commemorated as Youm-e-Ashura.

The martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), which teaches the lessons of righteousness over evil, is remembered by Muslims across the world every year during the month of Muharram. The battle of Karbala has set an example of the supreme sacrifice in the history of mankind which depicts the victory of virtuousness over evil.

Meanwhile, govt departments, volunteers and self-help groups had pitched tents to feed the mourners along the path of the procession and to ensure that roads were not blocked. Several ambulances were also kept ready in case of emergency and there were free medical check-ups and blood donation camps along the way.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday informed all the devotees that tomorrow's Muharram procession from Guru Bazar to Dalgate shall not be allowed this year as well.

In a statement, as per the news agency KNS, Srinagar Police requested the people to respect rule of law and not appreciate/endorse any rumours of a procession rally.