DHAKA: Muslims in Bangladesh as elsewhere of the world observed the holy Ashura on Tuesday marking the 10th day of Muharram with with due religious solemnity.
The day was observed through Tazia procession and special prayers, among other programs, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) – the youngest grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SA).
The day was a public holiday. Different religious organizations chalked out various religious programs throughout the country to observe the day in a befitting manner.
Other programs of the day included Quran Khwani, milad mahfil, fasting and feeding the destitute in the capital city and elsewhere of the country.
Tazia processions were brought out in all main cities including Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Rangpur.
In the capital, the devout Muslims brought out a huge traditional Tazia procession from Husseini Dalan in Old Dhaka, parading the city thoroughfares. Processions were also brought out from Muhammadpur Shi'a mosque and other parts of the city.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasions paying respects to Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala.
Newspapers and online news portals published special articles and state-run Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television along with private TV channels and radio stations aired special programs highlighting the significance of the day.
On this day of Hijri year 61, Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) with his 72 followers including family members embraced were entrapped by Yazid’s forces and embraced martyrdom in Karbala.
About 1332 years ago, Imam Hossain (RA) had to make supreme sacrifice to uphold the spirit of Islam and the teachings of Muhammad (SA) against Yazid, son of Muawiyah (RA) who was a companion (Sahabi) of Muhammad (SA).
Besides, the day is also an important day in human history and is being observed as a major sacred day by Muslims for reasons obvious which were mentioned briefly in the holy Quarn as well as elaborately in the Hadith.
Muslims believe that Allah has created the Earth on this day and the ‘Qiamat Day (The Day of Justice)’ will happen on this date.
Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) got relief from the ‘Fire-Den’ of Nomrud (who declared himself as the creator of the world) and Prophet Hazrat Yunus (AS) was also released from the grab of a big fish by the grace of the Creator.
The day is a symbol of sacrifice to uphold the spirit of truth and justice in the eye of Islam.
** Holy Ashura being observed
BDST: 1847 HRS, NOV 04, 2014
