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Karbala martyrdom remembered
'?KAMA' (piercing a knife into the forehead) and 'Zanjeer ka 'matam' (beating oneself with chains) being performed by thousands of Muslims in Allahabad marked the observance of martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, here on Wednesday. During this ritual, Muslims across the world mourn the tragedy of Karbala on the tenth day of the month of Moharram every year. It is said that on this day in the 13th century Imam Hussain was killed by the Army of Yazid .
'’KAMA' (piercing a knife into the forehead) and 'Zanjeer ka 'matam' (beating oneself with chains) being performed by thousands of Muslims in Allahabad marked the observance of martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, here on Wednesday.
During this ritual, Muslims across the world mourn the tragedy of Karbala on the tenth day of the month of Moharram every year.
It is said that on this day in the 13th century Imam Hussain was killed by the Army of Yazid, who was said to be an usurper of the Caliphate or a self-imposed appointed successor to Prophet Mohammad.
In remembrance of this supreme sacrifice, the devouts observe these rituals during the first 10 days of the month of Moharram.
A huge procession called 'Hazrat Ali Asghar Ka Jhula' was also taken out on Wednesday evening. It was followed by 'majlis' being performed at different Imambaras all through the night.
On Thursday morning, the ritual will culminate with the burial of symbolic tazias at Karbala. People from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, congregate at the route to Karbala to pay obeisance to the martyrs of Karbala.
In a unique example of communal harmony, a large number of people following other faiths also joined their Muslim brothers in the observance of rituals.
The martyrdom day of Imam Hussain is marked by prayers, processions led by Tazia or, replica of the Imam Hussain's tomb at Karbala in Iraq and self-flagellation by mourners.
Moharram, which means 'respected', is the first month of the Islamic calendar.
The first ten days of this month are observed as a period of mourning by Muslims, particularly by those belonging to the Shia sect, in memory of the tragedy of 680 AD.
Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Mohammad the Prophet was killed in the battle of Karbala.
This event, called Moharram, is named after the month in which it took place. The tenth day, called Ashura, is observed as the day for a public expression of grief and is the most important day of the month.
Legend has it that Imam Hussain was killed in the battle of Karbala along with 72 of his relatives, friends and followers.
Meanwhile, 'Sham-e-ghariban' (majlis in the dark) will mark the culmination of the first Ashra of Moharram on Thursday evening.
These majlises will be held here at Deputy Saheb Zahid Hussain ka Imambara at Chak, Dariyabad graveyard, Dargah Hazrat Abbass and Rani Mandi.
