ISLAMABAD/LAHORE/KARACHI/PESHAWAR: Scholars on Saturday urged Muslims to rise above parochial differences, narrow mindedness and sectarianism to maintain harmony, unity and brotherhood in their ranks in accordance with the golden principles of Islam and by following the path of Imam Hussain (AS) as nation prepares to observe Yaum-e-Ashur today with due solemnity to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala.
Mourners across the country on Saturday paid homage to the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS) and his companions in the tragedy of Karbala, with 9th Muharram processions in all major cities of Pakistan peacefully culminated at their designated destinations after sunset.
In Karachi, major procession was held at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar amid strict security measures, which included a ban on pillion riding and suspension of mobile phone and internet services.
In Peshawar, major procession was initiated from Imambargah in Saddar Bazaar around 10am and progressed through designated routes and later culminated at the same starting point. Similarly, Zuljinnah majalis were held across the city.
In Lahore, major procession emerged from Islampura under stringent security, provided by the personnel of police, elite force and Rangers.
The Muharram procession in Islamabad began at 1pm from Asna Ashari, the central Imambargah, in Sector G-6/2. The procession commenced after zuhrain prayers and, after passing through its designated route, returned to the Asna Ashari Imambargah at night.
Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain said, “The country can get rid of all political and social issues like extremism by deciding the line of action keeping in view Imam Hussain’s sacrifice which guides us in all aspects of our lives.” In his message to the nation on the occasion of Yaum-e-Ashur 1439 Hijri being observed across the Muslim world on Sunday, the president said, “While commemorating the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS) and his family members, we should keep in view his objectives and strategies which provide solution to the issues of the whole humanity particularly those confronting us.”
He said, “The sacrifices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s family teach us that collective goals and purgation of the society were superior to one’s own person and personal interests which can never be compromised.” He said, “The great sacrifice also teaches us a lesson to have a deep look into every day incidents in the society besides inculcating in ourselves the courage to proclaim what was right or wrong.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that keeping in view the internal and external threats confronting the country in current scenario, “we should shun our religious, sectarian and ethnic biases to promote the great characteristics of sacrifice, unity and discipline”.
In his message to the nation on Yaum-e-Ashur being observed across the Muslim world on Sunday, he said, “The day reminds us of the incident when Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions sacrificed their lives to make the truth win against falsehood in a war of good and evil.
He said the sacrifices of the martyrs had proved that the truth is destined to live forever and elimination is the fate of the falsity. Abbasi viewed that Imam Hussain (AS) was not power hungry rather his mission was the protection and supremacy of Islam and to raise the voice of truth against the oppression.
Published in Daily Times, October 1st 2017.
