Bangalore Shias commemorate Muharram

Shias commemorated the memory of Imam Hussain, known to be the grandson of prophet Muhammad on the first day of Muharram on Sunday. It is the first month on the Islamic calendar and over 15,000 Shias in the city gathered clad in black to mourn the death of their elder brother.

Moulana Nadeem Asgar said: “This day signifies a voice against injustice and oppression. It propagates the value of truth and righteousness. This is neither against anyone nor is it to propagate a war. It speaks of sacrifice.”

The Majilse-e-azadari, which is observed in connection with lamenting and mourning for those who sacrificed their lives, is also part of the ceremony. It takes pace four times in the course of 68 days in different areas of the city.

Mumtaz Ali, chairperson, Anjuman-e-Imamia, said: “We start the procession from Fathima Bakery and end it at the burial ground for Shias. While the devotees mourn Hussain’s death, others provide them with water. Hassan Raza, a devotee, said: “Every one in our community sacrifices blood.”