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Muslims participate in Muharram processions in UP, MP

     Faizabad/Gwalior: Shi'ite Muslims took part in Muharram processions in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday night. The procession marks the death anniversary of Imam Hussain, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, who was martyred in the battle at Kerbala by his political rival Yazid in AD 680. "This land has always been a land of harmony. We can see that here in the processions that many are Hindus actively taking part in it. There is no sign of any hatred among the Hindus and Muslims. Every year, we take out the procession in a peaceful manner," said Maulana Zul Qadar Abadi, priest, Masjid Imam Bada, Faizabad. The day is traditionally marked by mourners flogging themselves or beating their chests while participating in the processions. "When I saw these processions, even I thought of participating in it as one should support truth and kindness," said Ishwar Chandra Sharma, a Hindu bank manager. In Gwalior, mourners walked barefoot across burning coal. The tragedy of Kerbala falls on the tenth day of the month of Muharram every year. Imam Hussain was killed along with 72 of his relatives, friends and supporters. But his sister is reported to have escaped from settlements that were set on fire by the Caliph'a army.
- Jan 8, 2009