Youm-e-Ashur being observed with devotion and reverence in Pakistan

Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram, is being observed across Pakistan today (Friday) with due solemnity and deep reverence to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions in Karbala, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Mourning processions were taken out in all cities and towns to observe the day with grief and spiritual devotion, as citizens, religious scholars and political leaders pay rich tribute to the martyrs of Karbala, recalling their supreme sacrifice for truth, justice and the eternal message of Islam.

Ulema and Zakireen highlighted the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and various aspects of Karbala tragedy.

Various media channels marked the day with special transmissions, interviews and messages, highlighting the historic tragedy of Karbala and its lasting lessons of patience, sacrifice and steadfastness against oppression.

Religious scholars and public figures are reflecting on the significance of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions’ unwavering stand for righteousness.

Processions were taken out in major cities under strict security arrangements, while faithful participated in Quran Khawani, special prayers and religious gatherings at mosques and imambargahs.

Citizens also visited graveyards to offer Fateha for their loved ones, keeping alive the spirit of remembrance and reflection.

Participants and community leaders have commended the government’s arrangements, particularly the enhanced security measures and digital monitoring systems deployed to ensure smooth conduct of processions and maintain law and order across the country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0HzCdIKOSQ&t=798s

The central Youm-e-Ashura procession of Lahore commenced from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate on Friday morning after the conclusion of a mourning congregation (Majlis-e-Aza), with thousands of mourners participating amid stringent security arrangements.

The mourning gathering was addressed by Allama Amjad Ali Abidi, who highlighted the virtues and sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala and paid tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

Renowned Noha Khawans, including Ahsan Ali, Faiq Ali Naqvi, Fawad Butt, Kumail Jafri, and Ustad Mansoor Ahmad, presented soz and salam during the congregation.

Following the Majlis, the traditional Shabeeh Zuljanah procession emerged from Nisar Haveli and proceeded towards Mubarak Haveli before continuing along its customary route.

A large number of mourners joined the procession, while volunteers arranged sabeels offering water, milk, and sherbet, along with extensive langar (free meals) for participants throughout the route.

Authorities put in place comprehensive security measures, with police and other law enforcement agencies maintaining strict surveillance at all entry and exit points. Officials from various government departments, including WAPDA, WASA, and the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), also remained present to provide uninterrupted civic and emergency services during the procession.

The Ashura procession will continue along its traditional route and is scheduled to conclude at Karbala Gamay Shah on Sunday evening.
  
 

Meanwhile, thousands of mourners participated in Youm-e-Ashura observances across Faisalabad, as the traditional Shabeeh Zuljanah procession was taken out from Qasr-e-Raza Imambargah in Raza Abad amid solemn religious rituals.

The procession emerged from Gate No. 1 of the Imambargah and followed its traditional route before concluding at Gate No. 3.

 A large number of devotees joined the procession, paying tribute to the martyrs of Karbala through mourning, chest-beating (matam), and other traditional rituals in remembrance of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his loyal companions.

Meanwhile, a central Majlis-e-Aza was held at the Azakhana Shabbir Imambargah, where prominent zakireen delivered sermons highlighting the virtues, sacrifices, and sufferings of the family of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during the tragedy of Karbala.

According to the organisers, the mourning congregation will conclude with the symbolic Azan-e-Ali Akbar, which will be recited by Sheikh Zeeshan Shani at 3:20 pm. Following the Azan, Zakir Faraz Haider Kazmi will address the concluding Majlis.

Religious gatherings and mourning processions continued peacefully across the city, with devotees observing Ashura with deep reverence and devotion under comprehensive security arrangements.

Meanwhile, the central Youm-e-Ashura procession in Raiwind concluded peacefully on Friday after passing through its traditional route under strict security and administrative arrangements.

The procession began from Imambargah Qasr-e-Sakina and culminated at Imambargah Hussainia, with a large number of mourners participating in the Ashura observances.

Volunteers established numerous sabeels offering water and refreshments, while free langar was distributed among mourners along the route.

President Zardari’s message

President Asif Ali Zardari has called upon the nation to draw inspiration from the timeless lessons of Karbala, the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) that teaches Muslims to uphold truth, justice, patience and moral courage in the face of oppression.

In his message to the nation on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashura (10th Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH), the president said that Ashura is one of the most significant and meaningful days in Islamic history, reminding believers of the values of perseverance, sacrifice, truthfulness and steadfastness on principles.

President Zardari said that while Ashura commemorates several important historical events, its most profound association in Islamic history is with the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with the members of Ahl-e-Bait and their loyal companions in the plains of Karbala in 61 AH.

Describing the tragedy of Karbala as more than a historical event, the president said it remains a living lesson and an enduring message for humanity. He noted that Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) demonstrated through his actions that every sacrifice can be made for the protection of truth, justice, integrity and human dignity, but one should never surrender before falsehood, tyranny and injustice.

The president said that Imam Hussain’s (RA) struggle was aimed at the reform of the Muslim Ummah and the preservation of the true values and teachings of Islam.

President Zardari urged the nation to pledge that they would incorporate the qualities of righteousness, ethical courage, patience, selflessness and service to humanity into their individual and collective lives.

He also appealed to citizens to promote peace, tolerance, inter-sect harmony and brotherhood during the days of Ashura.

The president advised people to avoid rumours and provocative behaviour and play a constructive role in strengthening national unity and solidarity.

Praying for the country and the Muslim Ummah, President Zardari said he hoped that Allah Almighty would grant people the wisdom to understand the true message of Karbala and guide them to shape their lives according to the principles of truth, justice, patience and piety.

“Pakistan Paindabad,” the President concluded.

PM Shehbaz’s message

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message said: 

“The Day of Ashura is undoubtedly a thought-provoking day in Islamic history that acquaints humanity with unparalleled lessons in faith, patience and steadfastness, self-sacrifice, devotion to truth, and social reform.

This day serves as a reminder of the great events of sacrifice for the victory of Allah Almighty, the success of the believers, and the triumph of truth.

The monumental sacrifice of the Prophet's grandson, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), and his devoted companions has bestowed upon the Day of Ashura a unique and everlasting significance in the history of Islam.

The incident of Karbala conveys to us the message that upholding principles and values forms the foundation of a dignified and civilized society.

Through his conduct, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) proved that offering sacrifice for the sake of truth and righteousness, justice and equity, and the preservation of human dignity is far superior to bowing one's head in submission before tyranny, oppression, injustice, and falsehood.

The incident of Karbala represents an endeavor for the reform of the ummah, the revival of the Prophetic Sunnah (PBUH), and the great objective of enjoining good and forbidding evil.

This objective demands from us that we promote the qualities of justice and equity, patience and tolerance, and responsibility in our individual and collective lives.

Instead of divisions, hatred, and discord, strengthening values such as mutual respect, tolerance, and unity must remain our guiding focus. I appeal to the entire nation, particularly the honorable scholars, esteemed spiritual leaders, narrators of elegies, the media, and the youth, to highlight the true message of the Day of Ashura, promote inter-sect harmony and respect, and put an end to provocation and hatred.

Let us, on this occasion, pledge that under the guidance of the monumental sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala, we shall strengthen our commitment to truth and justice.

We shall ensure the protection of the rights of the weaker and deprived segments of society, and through our character and actions, play our full role in building a strong, united, and peaceful nation.

May Allah Almighty bestow peace and stability throughout the world and bless the entire Muslim ummah with unity, harmony, and goodness and blessings.”