'After 13 years,' authorities allow Mirwaiz to perform Ashura tradition

Srinagar, July 17: After 13 years, authorities today allowed Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq to addressed a large religious gathering on the occasion of Ashura at the revered shrine of Alam Sahib Narwara, Srinagar, which was the tradition of the Mirwaizeen on Ashura.

On the occasion Mirwaiz paid glorious tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) – the grandson of the Prophet (SAW), the beloved son of Fatimah Al Zahra (RA) – and to his devoted companions in the battle at Karbala. He called for the ummah to uphold Imam Hussain (AS’s) mission of defending truth and standing with the oppressed.

“After 13 long years, Mirwaiz was allowed by the authorities to address the large religious gathering of men, women and youth from far and wide, on the occasion of Ashura  at the revered shrine of Alam Sahib Narwara, Srinagar, which was the tradition of the Mirwaizeen on Ashura,” Mirwaiz Manzil said in a statement.

Mirwaiz elaborated on the tragedy of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), saying that the tragedy of Karbala is a heartbreaking incident of brutality in human history that can never be forgotten.

“Mirwaiz said that Yazidiyat represents the worst in human character, while Hussainiyat signifies the loftiness of human character. Standing firmly with truth without fear and in full faith and against tyranny and oppression is the essence of Hussainiyat,” the statement said.

Elaborating he said that, “the shining example set by Imam Hussain (AS), refusing to bow down or submit to the oppressor, has and will continue to inspire generations struggling for justice and truth until the end of time.” On the occasion, collective prayer was offered in honour of Imam Aali Muqaam and the Martyrs of Karbala.