Shia Muslims bring out Tazia procession Sunday morning marking the holy Ashura. The photo was taken at Azimpur in Dhaka. — Ali Hossain Mintu
The Muslims in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world observed the Ashura on Sunday marking the 10th day of Muharram with due religious solemnity and in a befitting manner.
The day was observed as a symbol of ‘sacrifice and mourning’ recalling the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain Ibn Ali, a grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM), in the battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram in Hijri 61.
In the historic battle, Imam Hussain along with his 72
followers was martyred by the soldiers of Yazid at Karbala while fighting for establishing truth and justice in society.
The word Ashura means simply ‘tenth’ in Arabic, and therefore the name of the remembrance, literally translated, means ‘the tenth day’.
The day was a public holiday.
President M Abdul Hamid and prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages marking the Ashura.
Different religious organizations, including Islamic Foundation, observed various programmes marking observe the day.
The Shia Muslims brought out a large procession known as Tazia in the city from Imam Bara at Husaini Dalan of Old Dhaka.
Besides, several processions were brought out from the city’s different areas including Mirpur, Mohammadpur and Purana Paltan.
In the processions, the Shia Muslims expressed mourning and grief by
flagellating themselves on the back with chains, beating their heads
intending to connect them with Imam Hussain’s sufferings.
Other programmes of the day included Quran Khwani, Milad Mahfil, fasting and feeding of the destitute.
In all main cities including Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet, the Shia Muslims brought out Tazia processions and paraded main streets chanting ‘Hai Husain, Hai Husain.’
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels and radio stations aired special programmes, while newspapers published special articles highlighting significance of the day.
Source: New Age
