Chattogram: The Holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossain Ibn Ali (RA), a grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), was observed in Chattogram and the adjacent upazilas of the district today. The 10th day of the month of Muharram in the Hijri calendar 1445 is well-known as the “Holy Ashura.”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA), along with his family members and followers, died at the hands of soldiers of Yazid at the battle of Karbala on the bank of Euphrates in Iraq. Different religious organizations, including the Islamic Foundation, observed the day through various programs.
The Shia community organized large scale peaceful processions from different areas in the city to remember the tragic events of Karbala. The mourning procession began from the city’s Andarkilla and Sadarghat Imamia Ishna Ashara Imambargah at 11 am. Hujjatul Islam Maulana Amjad Hossain led the Sadarghat procession, which concluded at Sadarghat Imambargah after traversing several important city streets including Kalibari Road, New Market, GPO, and Kotwali intersection.
Hundreds of barefoot women, men, and children participated in the procession carrying Alam (religious flag) and Tabut (symbolic coffin). The surroundings of the procession resonated with the chants of ‘Hay Hossain, Hay Hossain,’ while the area was filled with the sad melody of Marcia and the sounds of chest beating.
In a brief speech at New Market intersection, Maulana Amjad Hossain highlighted, ‘Imam Hussain (AS) is not only a character in history, he is a model of justice-a guide to our lives. We must build unity by eliminating divisions and conflicts within the Muslim Ummah. Those who are carrying out murder and terrorism in the name of Islam must be exposed.’
Addressing the issue of Palestine, he added, ‘Even today, genocide is going on in Palestine because there is no unity in the Muslim world. As long as we are not united, the occupying power will exploit our weaknesses. The world must say now – stop the genocide in Palestine. We are with the Palestinians and will continue to be.’
Other activities of the day included Quran Khwani, Milad Mahfil, and fasting. Additionally, most Muslim families in the port city offered Fatheha. The Islamic Foundation organized a discussion on the ‘Importance of Holy Ashura in Preserving Peace and Order in Society’ at the city’s Andarkillah Shahi Jame Mosque office.