Remembering martyrdom

BANGALORE: Muslims in large numbers visited dargahs in the city and offered special prayers on this occasion of Muharram on Tuesday. This day, Prophet Mohammed’s grandson Imam Hussain Ibn Al was killed in the Battle of Karbala in AD 680 and attained martyrdom. This event was also known as ‘Ahsura’.A scholar in Islamic Studies, Mohammed Shoaib,  said that this was the only occasion to fast after the festive season of Ramzan. He explained, “Muharram commemorates the first month of the Islamic calender. The first ten days of the month is observed as a mourning period. We fast on the ninth day as there is a belief that Prophet Mohammed too undertook a fast on the same day religiously. But it is not obligatory on everyone to follow the same. This is not an occasion of joy but a moment of sadness.” Many consider fasting as a form of worship in the city.When City Express visited Tawakkal Dargah in Cottonpet to witness the event, the Panja (a model made of flowers that is considered a symbolic representation of a fist), was prominently displayed on premises. It signified the unity of five members of the family who sacrificed their lives in the battle. Shoaib added, “The core finger of the fist signifies Prophet Mohammed; the other fingers are symbolic of his daughter Fathima; Hazrat Ali, Fathima’s husband; their sons Hazrat Hussain and Hazrat Hassan.” Islamic community worshiped Panja, as a respect towards this family.Hajee Mohammed Azmat Ullah, who is in charge of Tawakkal Dhargah, said that every year a  procession is taken out from Dargah via Cottonpet Police station and K R Market. He said, “More than a lakh of people take part in the procession. On Muharram, people, regardless of their religion, come to the Dargah to pray for the harmony and well-being of the society. People also believe that their wishes would be fulfilled and they can wash their sins off by offering prayers.” Syed Iqbal, who visited the Dhargah in Cottonpet, said, “I am a regular visitor of this Dhargah. Lunch and dinner are served for all who participate in the programme. It is a great feeling to take part in the procession with many others.” As a part of tradition, Sharbath was offered to all those who visited Dhargah.Sunni Muslims, on the occasion, pray to the to the first family for harmony among members of the Islamic community. Shia Muslims attempt to hurt themselves as a reminder of the pain suffered by Prophet  Mohammed’s family.