Adil Salam
On the occasion of Ashura and to mark the remembrance of martyrs of Karbala especially Imam Hussain (RA) the eminent voices from Shia Sunni held a discussion in Srinagar jointly hold a discussion to put forward their point of views opines Karbala message. The discussion saw a gathering of people from media, Literature, activism. A number of students also attended the open discussion.
Speaking on the occasion, Mir Imran, an activist from Srinagar stated, “To end the long-standing sectarian divides that have hurt the Muslim Ummah need to encourage more Sunni Shia harmonious relationship. The only way ahead for Muslim revival is to be united and end sectarian hate.
Sajad Ahmad Sultan, a young Shia scholar stated “Every Day Is Ashura Every Land is Karbala” adding, today most of us willingly or unwillingly prefer the path of Yazidi over Hussaini path as such we have forgotten the sacrifice of the Ahli-Bayat. He said we should be steadfast to fight the falsehood.
Khurshid Qureshi, eminent journalist of Kashmir stated “In the present era, we need to take the lessons from Karbala. The egoism and despotism in addition to the tyranny of Yazid lost and the name of Imam Hussain (as) and his companions have remained engraved till eternity in human hearts.” Qureshi on the occasion also read some of his penned poetry regarding the martyrdom of Imam Hussain(RA).
Ajaz Ahmad War, President Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalist Association stated that Karbala teaches us to be united as Muslims and bust the myths that cause acrimony between Muslims.
Bilal Bashir Bhat, Editor in Chief Onlykashmir[dot]in and Daily Srinagar-e-Jang stated that events of Karbala always teach us to raise voice against bad things even at the cost of your life. Imam Hussain (RA) lead with an unprecedented example for all the justice seekers of the world that ultimately a message of Justice will prevail over tyranny.
Journalist Rameez Makhdoomi said the word Karbala is not just a name of the place but also a concept that fills our heart, mind with million emotions and eyes with billion tears. He said the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) in the Karbala has inspired entire humanity and world-renowned thinkers and leaders have taken this tragedy as an inspiration in their respective struggles of justice.
Sister Ijlana Nazir, pursuing Masters in Religion Studies stated that the biggest tragedy is we lack knowledge as present-day Muslims and the message of Karbala is we will overwhelm the barbarity and tyranny only when we are knowledgeable and on the path of truth.
Ahsaan Ali, a student of Journalism speaking on the occasion said we should inquisitively ponder upon the reasons for which Hussain (A.S) sacrificed everything including his 6-month-old son Ali Asgar (A.S).
Academic Manzoor Sultan stated that Karbala teaches us to be always on the principles of truth and learn to fight falsehood, adding, the oppressed masses have hope in Karbala that ultimately oppression is bound to lose against falsehood.”
At the end of the discussion, all the participants pledge to strengthen the Shia-Sunni harmony in Kashmir with more positive steps.
Pertinently, Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendarAshura marks the day in which the Battle of Karbala took place, resulting in Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), being martyred along with his supporters.
