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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Muslims observe Ashura and mourn Imam Hussain martyrdom in Nagpur
1 2 3 Nagpur: The Muslim community, especially the Shia sect, observed Ashura with remembrance of Imam Hussain's martyrdom in distinct ways in the city on Sunday. The Shia community led the rituals with matam (mourning) and self-flagellation, such as chest beating, slapping, and wailing during huge rallies from Haidry Masjid in Mominpura to Karbala Masjid in Imambada and Kamptee's Hussainabad to Kanhan. The community later participated in majlees-e-shyame gareeba, followed by a feast in the evening. Naushad Ali Haidry, president of Shia Jamaat Trust, said over 2,000 community members participated in the mournings in Nagpur. The Sunni sect observed roza (fast) and distributed sherbet and khichadi on roadsides to all. Some members called for looking at different virtues of Imam Hussain to seek justice and peace and recalled other significances of the day. Islamic scholar Majid Parekh said, "Though the month is sacred and war is forbidden, Hussain was mercilessly killed for refusing to accept an unjust ruler. His stand was not for power, but for truth, justice, and the peaceful values taught by his grandfather Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), who was such a peacemaker the known human history ever witnessed. He united warring tribes and established Madinah as a model of pluralism, promoting personal laws and peaceful coexistence." Parekh added, "Imam Hussain upheld this legacy by choosing sacrifice over submission. His life reminds us that true leadership stands for justice, compassion, and unity. In a world torn by conflict, we must learn from his example and commit ourselves to peace. Today, the world is desperately in need of peace and harmony. Innocent victims are weeping in silence, gasping for the comfort of calm. Wars and violence only lead to pain, injustice, and hatred in society. While we mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), we must also reflect on ourselves and ask: why is the world still struggling for peace?" Hamed Bin Khalid Quraishi, secretary, Centre for Social Research and Empowerment (CSRE), said Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, holds profound significance in Islamic history, particularly due to Imam Hussain's martyrdom in 680 CE, symbolising resistance against oppression. "Pre-Islam, Arabs and Jews fasted on this day, commemorating divine events like Moses' escape and Noah's Ark resting. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged fasting on Ashura, later made optional after Ramadan. For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning, honouring Hussain's sacrifice for justice," he said.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Barbaric, Heinous: Muslims Condemn Pahalgam Attack
Nagpur: Muslim community strongly condemned the massacre of tourists in Pahalgam in Kashmir and urged govt to take action against the culprits. "Killing innocent tourists in Pahalgam is highly condemnable. It is a barbaric act and a heinous crime. The culprits should be punished and brought to justice. Violence against innocent people, in whichever form, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion, is condemnable. Only pathetic minds can do such acts," said Hamid Bin Khalid Qureshi, secretary, Centre for Social Research and Empowerment (CSRE). Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh Academy chairman Majid Parekh said the academy strongly denounces the horrific terrorist attack claiming 28 innocent lives. "This cold-blooded act was not merely a display of terror but a dastardly assault on humanity itself. Let there be no doubt: These killers stand for no religion, and certainly not for Islam. They are betrayers of every sacred principle of faith and morality. The deliberate distortion of jihad to rationalise such atrocities is not only a profound misrepresentation, but a grave spiritual transgression. True jihad is a personal, ethical pursuit of justice and righteousness — never a justification for slaughtering innocents," he said. Parekh added, "The academy remains unwavering in its stand — for truth, peace, and justice. Terrorism may shake us, but it will never break our resolve." Life coach and corporate trainer Khwaja Sajid said no religion whatsoever approves of cruelty and atrocity against humanity, irrespective of faith it pursues and follows. Aftab Alam Khan, secretary, Falah Social Organisation, said, "We strongly condemn the massacre of tourists in Pahalgam. The govt must ensure relief and assistance to the families of the victims." Educationist and scholar Shazia Khan said, "I stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. Terrorism is a complex issue driven by politics, ideology, or extremism, rather than faith." Abdul Rauf Sheikh, president, CSRE, said, "Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. This is a highly atrocious and horrific crime, and it must be condemned at all levels and in the strongest words. We stand together against terrorism." Retired banker Irshad Ahmed Khan said, "We pray for peace in our beloved country." English professor Ayub Khan said, "The Quran condemns it. Killing an innocent person is like killing the entire humanity, and saving a life is like saving humanity." Professor (retd) Aqueel Khan said Islam forbids and strongly condemns killing of innocent civilians; in fact, such acts against non-combatants are prohibited. Former NU professor Moiz Mannan Haq said, "There can be nothing but condemnation for the barbaric act in Pahalgam. It is all the more reprehensible if it was done in the name of religion. The administration must act swiftly to catch the real culprits, not scapegoats, and ensure that harsh and exemplary punishment is meted out to them. Meanwhile, we as common citizens must stick together against this handful of madmen who have no right to representanyreligion."
