Dhaka: The holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossain Ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), will be observed across the country tomorrow with due respect and religious solemnity. Tomorrow marks the 10th day of the month of Muharram in the Hijri calendar-1447, widely recognized as the “Holy Ashura”.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this day is regarded as the day of Karbala, a ‘mourning and heartbreaking event’, which holds special religious significance for the Muslim community worldwide. Muslims around the globe reflect on the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA), his family members, and 72 followers, who embraced martyrdom in 680 AD in the desert of Karbala on the banks of the Euphrates River in Iraq while fighting for truth and justice against the forces of Yazid. Their self-sacrifice at Karbala Maidan to uphold the great ideals of Islam, the religion of peace and harmony, is a shining example in the annals of humanity.
On the eve of the holy Ashura, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message, paying deep respect to Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala. The Chief Adviser, in his message, described the holy Ashura as a very mournful, significant, and glorious day. He emphasized, “On this mournful day of the holy Ashura, I pay my deepest respects to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the greatest Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), and to all those who were tragically martyred in the desert of Karbala.”
Professor Muhammad Yunus highlighted that Islam is a religion of truth, justice, and peace. In upholding this great ideal of Islam, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family members, and close companions were martyred in the desert of Karbala on 10th Muharram by the soldiers of the traitor Yazid. He stated that this sacrifice of the brave soldiers of Islam, standing against the injustice of the tyrant, will remain forever in the history of the world, providing strength and courage to humankind to establish truth and justice against oppression and injustice.
The Chief Adviser further mentioned that many significant events, including the creation of the entire world, took place on this day. Narrated in the Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave special importance to observing two fasts on the occasion of the holy Ashura. “Let us all grasp the significance of this glorious day and do more good deeds to gain closeness to Almighty Allah. Along with establishing equality, justice, and peace in society, on this holy day of Ashura, I wish for the unity, solidarity, and continuous progress of the Muslim Ummah,” said Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The day is designated as a public holiday. Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private TV channels will broadcast special programs, while newspapers and online news portals will publish supplements highlighting the significance of the day. On this occasion, special prayers and discussions emphasizing the significance of Holy Ashura will be held at mosques and other relevant places, including the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and the Islamic Foundation in the country.