Holy Ashura today

The holy Ashura will be observed across the country today (Sunday) with due religious solemnity.

The day is a public holiday.

The 10th day of the month of Muharram in Hijri calendar is well-known as the "Holy Ashura" commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossain Ibn Ali (RA), a grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

It is regarded as the day of Karbala, a 'mourning and heartbreaking event' which has special religious significance for the Muslim community across the world.

Muslims across the world recall the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) along with his family members and 72 followers, who embraced martyrdom in 680 AD in the desert of Karbala on the banks of the Euphrates River in Iraq while fighting for truth and justice against the Yazid forces.

Their self-sacrifice at Karbala Maidan to uphold the great ideals of Islam, the religion of peace and harmony, is a shining example in the history of humanity.

The Holy Ashura is a significant and mourning day for the entire Muslim Ummah.

The eternal words of the sacred Ashura, burning in the memory of the tragic events of Karbala, inspires the Muslims to speak out against injustice and oppression and also inspire them to follow the path of truth and beauty.

On the eve of holy Ashura, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message, paying deep respect to Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala.

The CA, in his message, termed the holy Ashura as a very mournful, significant and glorious day.

Noting that the Holy Ashura is a significant and mourning day for the entire Muslim Ummah, he said, "On this mournful day of the holy Ashura, I pay my deepest respects to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the greatest Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), and to all those who were tragically martyred in the desert of Karbala."

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken special security measures in the capital on the occasion of holy Ashura.

The DMP has taken the comprehensive security measures to ensure peaceful observance of Ashura in the capital.

A high official of DMP told the FE that strict security arrangements had been put in place at Hussaini Dalan, Boro Katara, Mohammadpur Bihari Camp, the Shia Mosque, Bibika Rauza, Mirpur Pallabi Bihari Camp and other important venues.

He said that all major imambaras would be brought under CCTV surveillance during holy Ashura.

He said that specialised DMP units will remain on standby to deal with any untoward situation.

The largest Tazia procession will start at 10am today (10 Muharram) from Gate no. 1 of Hussaini Dalan in the city.

The procession will pass through Bakshibazar Lane, Lalbagh intersection, Shaheed Minar Road, Etimkhana crossing, Azimpur intersection, Nilkhet intersection, Mirpur Road, Dhaka College, Science Laboratory, Dhanmondi Residential Area, BGB Gate 4, and end at Dhanmondi Lake Karbala.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels will air special programmes while newspapers and online news portals will publish supplements highlighting the significance of the day.

On the occasion, special prayer and discussions highlighting the significance of Holy Ashura will be held at mosques, other places concerned in the country highlighting the significance of Holy Ashura'.

Islamic Foundation will organise a doa mahfil and discussion on 'Importance and Significance of Holy Ashura' at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 1.30pm today.

The DMP has urged commuters to use alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion during the Tazia procession.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com