LAHORE – Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, was observed across Pakistan on Sunday with religious zeal and solemnity amid elaborate security arrangements.
Ashura marks the supreme sacrifice rendered by the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family and loyal companions in Karbala.
Processions were taken out by devotees in all cities and towns, including Lahore, with people performing rituals to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, and the sufferings of his family members.
Scholars and Zakireen highlighted the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and various aspects of the Karbala tragedy.
Lahore
In Lahore, the main Zuljanah procession emerged from Nisar Haveli at Mochi Gate last night. The procession culminated at Karbala Gaamay Shah in the evening after passing through its traditional route. At the end of the procession, Shaam-e-Ghareeban was arranged to highlight the sufferings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions.
Karachi
The main procession was taken out from Nishtar Park after Majalis that continued through the night of 9th Muharram.
After passing through its traditional route, the procession culminated at Bargah Hussainian Iranian Kaharadar in the evening. Sham-e-Ghareeban was observed at the end.
Rawalpindi
The main Zuljanah procession commenced from Imam Bargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain and culminated at Qadeemi Imam Bargah.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid glowing tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, stating that the day conveys a message of sacrifice, truthfulness, sincere determination, and standing up for what is right.
President Zardari called upon the nation to follow the path of Imam Hussain (AS) and not only reform itself but also base the governance system, social attitudes and national priorities on honesty, decency and public welfare.
“The day gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness and sincere determination”, he said, adding that the day is a symbol of an eternal struggle against falsehood.
“Their message is still alive today, and it is a profound message of standing firm on principles, not bowing down to oppression and coercion and making every sacrifice for the sake of truth,” he said.
PM Shehbaz urged the nation to take guidance from the life and character of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) to overcome internal and external challenges and keep Pakistan on the path of peace, unity and progress.
“Ashura gives us the great lesson of patience, sacrifice and standing firm on principles. This day will continue to illuminate the conscience of humanity till the Day of Judgment,” he said.
He said that Karbala teaches that although the path of truth is difficult, it is the path that leads to the pleasure of Allah Almighty, satisfaction of hearts and eternal welfare. “The message of the Imam is not limited to his time, but is a universal message, which even today convinces us that a Muslim stands for the truth, supports the oppressed, and supports justice in all circumstances,” he said.
