Yes, we can debate greatly about the meaning of self-harm and flagellation but at the end of the day, it’s a personal act. I am perplexed as to why the Shia community face such judgement, when groups of people are committing unspeakable acts against humanity, under the false banner of Islam globally. Attending the Majalis, I immediately was informed that very few members of the Shia community actually partake in such extreme levels of expression and that many members are not keen on the public displays of such activities. Despite my exposure to Muharram, I myself have been ignorant and guilty of holding this view. I asked numerous people these questions and was met with the same reaction which would be a moment of silence and a confession that self-flagellation was at the forefront of the ideals they held for the Shia sect. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Shi’ism and Ashura? I’m sure for most people it would be that those are guys that whip themselves until they bleed right? With the images of my grandmother in my mind, I decided to join the University of Manchester Ahlulbayt Society (ABSOC), with their commemorations to explore further this week.
It has been said, in my grandmother’s ancestral village, many centuries ago a pious man of great knowledge came from India and imparted his wisdom and knowledge about Imam Hussein and Muharram to the villagers and he taught them the practices of how to commemorate during the week of Muharram. From a young age I recall my grandmother being solemn and fasting and told me that as a Muslim, this week was one of sadness. Despite coming from a Sunni household, the week of Muharram and Ashura held a very special place in my grandmother’s heart and was commemorated in the household every year, with great emphasis placed on the trials of Imam Hussein. Thankfully, I was raised in an open minded household where being inquisitive and reading to expand your knowledge was promoted heavily. During this week, many mosques hold Majalis (religious gatherings), teaching the younger generations of this important event in Islamic history and fasting takes place on some days. The tenth day of Muharram is referred to as Ashura and on this day Imam Hussein was martyred at the hands of the soldiers of Yazid at the battle of Karbala. His caravan was intercepted at Karbala and he perished. Imam Hussein had been on his way to Kufa, Iraq, on the request of its citizens to be freed from the oppressive rule of Yazid. The first week of Muharram (the first month in the Islamic calendar) is a week of remembrance and commemoration of the tragedy that befell on the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussein and the Ahl alBayt (family of the prophet) where the entire tribe were either martyred or taken as prisoners of war. What does the week of Muhharram encompass and what is Ashura? I wanted to gain a depth understanding of the week, which is held with such importance to millions of Muslims and fellow members of the Ummah (the term used to describe the Islamic community) across the globe. However, this year I decided, as a Muslim, I held some background knowledge in regards to this event, being a history student and my own personal family links.
I myself, for one year lived opposite the 404 Jaffaria Islamic Shia Mosque in Rusholme and witnessed Muharram with immense curiosity and wondered what goes on during this time.
"In light of the above, I request that action is taken against Rizvi and his associates, including (but not limited to) action in pursuance of Sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 504 and 505(1)(c) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)," the statement added.Every year in Manchester, it has become a regular sight to see the lampposts, throughout the city, to be adorned with posters asking, “ Who Is Hussein?” For many Mancunians this has become a yearly tradition. His statements are also targeted at creating a feeling of enmity against Muslims of India which is likely to result in a threat to the breach of peace. The letter further stated that the contents of the book and the objectionable statements have been made with a view to outrage the religious sentiments of those who follow Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and abide by Islamic tenets. The book, written in Hindi, vilifies Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and uses objectionable language against the Prophet, the religion of Islam and its followers," Owaisi said in a statement. "This is to bring to your attention a recent book authored by one Wasim Rizvi is the former chairman of Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board. We hope he will be arrested." AIMIM chief had submitted the letter to the Police Commissioner of Hyderabad Anjani Kumar. Commissioner assured us of a criminal case. Former chairman of Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board Wasim Rizvi wrote a book that has objectionable statements on Prophet Mohammed. Addressing media, the AIMIM chief said, "We met Hyderabad Police Commissioner.