Muslims observe Ashura and mourn Imam Hussain martyrdom in Nagpur
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Nagpur: The Muslim community, especially the Shia sect, observed Ashura with remembrance of Imam Hussain's martyrdom in distinct ways in the city on Sunday. The Shia community led the rituals with matam (mourning) and self-flagellation, such as chest beating, slapping, and wailing during huge rallies from Haidry Masjid in Mominpura to Karbala Masjid in Imambada and Kamptee's Hussainabad to Kanhan.
The community later participated in majlees-e-shyame gareeba, followed by a feast in the evening. Naushad Ali Haidry, president of Shia Jamaat Trust, said over 2,000 community members participated in the mournings in Nagpur.
The Sunni sect observed roza (fast) and distributed sherbet and khichadi on roadsides to all. Some members called for looking at different virtues of Imam Hussain to seek justice and peace and recalled other significances of the day.
Islamic scholar Majid Parekh said, "Though the month is sacred and war is forbidden, Hussain was mercilessly killed for refusing to accept an unjust ruler. His stand was not for power, but for truth, justice, and the peaceful values taught by his grandfather Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), who was such a peacemaker the known human history ever witnessed.
He united warring tribes and established Madinah as a model of pluralism, promoting personal laws and peaceful coexistence."
Parekh added, "Imam Hussain upheld this legacy by choosing sacrifice over submission. His life reminds us that true leadership stands for justice, compassion, and unity. In a world torn by conflict, we must learn from his example and commit ourselves to peace. Today, the world is desperately in need of peace and harmony. Innocent victims are weeping in silence, gasping for the comfort of calm. Wars and violence only lead to pain, injustice, and hatred in society.
While we mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), we must also reflect on ourselves and ask: why is the world still struggling for peace?"
Hamed Bin Khalid Quraishi, secretary, Centre for Social Research and Empowerment (CSRE), said Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, holds profound significance in Islamic history, particularly due to Imam Hussain's martyrdom in 680 CE, symbolising resistance against oppression. "Pre-Islam, Arabs and Jews fasted on this day, commemorating divine events like Moses' escape and Noah's Ark resting. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged fasting on Ashura, later made optional after Ramadan.
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning, honouring Hussain's sacrifice for justice," he said.
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