Chehlum procession: 'This mourning is as important as prayer'

Thousands take part in Hazrat Imam Hussain's (RA) chehlum procession.

LAHORE:

The main procession of Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (RA) chehlum was well on its way when this report was filed.

The procession was taken out from Imambargah Haveli Alif Shah inside Delhi Gate on Tuesday morning (9am) after a mourning session.

Addressing over 12,000 people at the majlis, Allama Dawood Jawad Mashadi shed light on the sacrifices of Imam Hussain, his family and companions for Islam.

The procession stopped for zanjeerjani at Fazl-i-Haq Chowk where as many as 400 people participated in ritual self-harm.

Abd-i-Mesum, one of the mourners, told The Express Tribune that he expressed his love for Imam Hussain and his family by performing zanjeerzani every year.

Following the traditional route, the procession had reached Chowk Nawab Sahib at 1pm where another majlis was held.

Mansoor Jafri paid his tribute to Bibi Sakina, the six-year-old daughter of Imam Hussain, in his souz khwani.

Akbar Ali, one of the mourners who carried a traditional flag, told The Express Tribune: “We prepare these flags with the symbol of hand in the memory of Hazrat Abbas, the younger brother of Imam Hussain.

Amina Abbas, another mourner, said Bibi Zainab had played a major role in promoting azadari and in exposing Yazeed and his allies.

“She [Bibi Zainab] was the first azadar for Imam Hussain who arranged a majlis,” Abbas said.

Farwah Hassan, another mourner, said, “Imam Hussain saved Islam and Bibi Zainab saved Hussain’s name.”

Some 200 women joined the main procession at Chowk Nawab Sahab following a mourning session at Imambargah Syed Ali Akbar Shah.

The procession then proceeded to Mubarak Haveli, Akbari Gate, Nisar Haveli, Chohatta Mufti Baqar and Purani Kotwali.

The mourners recited nohas and marsiyas before they stopped at Purani Kotwali for Zuhr prayers.

At sunset, the procession stopped for zanjeerzani at Purani Kotwali where approximately 450 mourners participated in zanjeerzani.

Kalb-i-Hassan, one of the mourners, told The Express Tribune, “The taziya for the main chehlum procession is approximately 200-years-old. It is made of silver.”

Sabeels of water, milk, and juices had been set up for the mourners on the route. Several groups including Ali Haq, Sipah-i-Abbas, Asseran-i-Shaam, Katri Bawa of Chuna Mandi performed matam at the Bhati Gate.

Pir Syed Kaleem Haider Geelani, a mourner, said, “We mourn because Bibi Zainab and Bibi Sakina wanted to cry over Imam Hussain’s martyrdom but Yazeed and his forces did not allow that.”

Syed Zuflikar Naqvi, the head of Sipah-i-Abbas said, “This mourning is as important as prayer… we do it for the pleasure of Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2013.