Monday, November 7, 2011

The Jungle King Ya Abbas

ame : al-Abbas (a.s.)
hazrat fatima sons,sacrifise hazrat abbas Title : Alamdar-e-lashkar-e-Hussain (a.s.), Qamar bani Hashim
titles hazrat abbas,shia Agnomen : Abul Fazl
karbala hazrat abbas,muharram Father : Imam Ali Amir al-Muminin (a.s.)
bibi sakina,brother imam hussain Mother : Fatima bint-e-Huzzam ibn-e-Khalid (a.s.)
karbala war,martyrs karbala Birth : 4th Shabaan 26 AH.
role hazrat abbas,role hazrat abbas Death : Martyred in Karbala (Iraq) at the age of 36, on Friday, 10th Muharram 61 AH and buried there.
martyrs karbala,karbala war
brother imam hussain,bibi sakina
muharram,karbala hazrat abbas Birth and Childhood
shia,titles hazrat abbas
sacrifise hazrat abbas,hazrat fatima sons Hazrat Ali (a.s.) married Fatimah Bint-e-Huzaam Ibne Khalid (a.s.) in 24 Hijrah. Fatimah gave birth to Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) on the 4th Shabaan, 26th Hijrah. In 27th Hijrah Ja'far was born and in 29th Hijrah Uthmaan was born. Abdullah was born in 32nd Hijrah. Because she had four sons Fatima Binti Huzaam was known as Ummul Baneen (Mother of Sons).
fatimah,martyrdom hazrat abbas
Ummul Baneen, from the very first day she entered Hazrat Ali's (a.s.) house, treated the children of Bibi Fatimah (s.a.) with utmost respect. She brought up her own sons to look upon Imam Hassan (a.s.), Imam Hussain (a.s.), Bibi Zainab (s.a) and Bibi Kulthoom (a.s.), not as brothers and sisters but as masters and mistresses.

Imam Hussain (a.s.) was very attached to Hazrat Abbas (a.s.). When Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was born, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) asked Imam Hussain (a.s.) to recite the adhaan and the iqamah in the ears of the child. When he was on the arms of Imam Hussain (a.s.), the infant smiled and raised his arms. There were tears in Imam Hussain's (a.s.) eyes. Was it because he knew that the child was trying to say: "O Mawla I have come and will happily give these my arms and my life for you and Islam"

In early childhood Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) would follow Imam Hussain (a.s.) like a shadow. If Imam Hussain (a.s.) looked thirsty, Abbas (a.s.) would rush to bring him water. If Imam Hussain (a.s.) seemed hot, Abbas (a.s.) would fan him with the hem of his cloak. At the battle of Siffeen in the 34th Hijrah, Abbas (a.s.) was only eight years old. Imam Hussain (a.s.) was fighting in the battle field. When Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) saw an enemy soldier approaching Imam Hussain (a.s.) from behind, he took a sword and rushed into the battle field and killed the enemy, at the same time crying out in a loud voice, "How can any one dare attack my Mawla while I am alive." He continued to fight maintaining his position behind Imam Hussain (a.s.). Muawiya saw this and asked, "Who is that boy?" When he was told he was Abbas ibne Ali, he said, "By God! No one can fight like that at that age except a son of Ali!"

His youth

Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) grew up to be a tall and handsome man. He was so tall, that when he sat on a horse his feet touched the ground. He was so handsome that he was known as Qamar-e-Bani Hashim, the Moon of the family of Hashim.

Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was also a valiant warrior. It was said that Muawiya did not dare invade Madina because of five men who were with Imam Hussain (a.s.) and could, together with their Imam, conquer a whole army. These were Muhammad Hanafia, a brother of Imam Hussain (a.s.), Hazrat Muslim ibn-e-Aqeel (a.s.), Abdullah Ibn-e-Jaffer (a.s.), Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) and Hazrat Ali ibn-al-Hussain (a.s.), our fourth Imam, Zainul 'Abideen (a.s.).

When Imam Hussain (a.s.) decided to leave Madina in the month of Rajab 60 Hijrah, he did not encourage Muhammad Hanafia and Abdullah Ibn-e-Jaffer to accompany him. He wanted to make sure that no one at the time or in the future would suggest that Hussain (a.s.) wanted to fight for the khilafah.

Just before Imam Hussain (a.s.) left Madina, Ummul Baneen (a.s.) summoned all her four sons and said to them, "My sons you must remember that while I love you, Imam Hussain (a.s.) is your Master. If Imam (a.s.) or his sisters or his children get injured or hurt while you are still alive, I will never forgive you." There were tears in Hazrat Abbas's (a.s.) eyes as he promised his mother that he and his brothers would lay down their lives for Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his children.

Titles of Hazrat Abbas(a.s.)

1-Qamar-e-Banihashem (THE MOON OF BANIHASHEM'S PROGENY)
This was his most famous nickname. The reason behind that was his good looking face which was resembled to the moon.

2-Saqqa' (THE ONE WHO BRINGS WATER)
This is his another famous nickname.
Since he was dealing with bringing water to Imam Hussein (A.S)'s camps and supplying Imam's thirsty children with water, he was given this nickname.

3-Hamel-ul-Lava' (THE ONE WHO CARRIES THE FLAGS)
This nick name was given to him because he was the one who carried the flag in Imam Hussein (A.S)'s troop.

4-Raees-e-Askar-al-Hussein (THE COMMANDER OF IMAM HUSSAIN(A.S.)'S TROOPS)
This nickname was given to him because he was the commander of Imam Hussain(a.s.)'s troops.


Arrival in Karbala and shahadat (martyrdom)

The caravan reached Kerbala on 2nd Muharram. From the day the sad news of Hazrat Muslim's (a.s.) murder had reached the caravan of Imam Hussain (a.s.), Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) and his brothers increased their vigilance to protect the Imam and others.

Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was very popular with the children of Imam Hussain (a.s.) especially Sakina (a.s.) who was only four years old. Whenever the children wanted anything they would cry out "Ya Abbas!" or "Ya Ammahu!", and Abbas (a.s.) would go running. But from the seventh of Muharram Abbas (a.s.) was unable to respond to their cries for water.

Then came the day of Ashura, after Zuhr prayers one by one the brave companions of Imam Hussain (a.s.) fell in the battle field. At last only Imam Hussain (a.s.), his son of 18 years Ali Akber (a.s.) and Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) were left. Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (a.s.) laid sick in his tent.

Several times Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) asked Imam Hussain (a.s.) for permission to go and fight. Each time Imam Hussain (a.s.) would reply "Abbas, you are the captain of my army, you are my 'alamdaar - the standard bearer". Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) would never argue with Imam Hussain (a.s.). His three brothers were killed in the battle fought after Zuhr. Imam Hussain (a.s.) could see the anger in Hazrat Abbas's (a.s.) eyes, especially when Hazrat Qasim's (a.s.) body was trampled upon by the enemy. Imam Hussain (a.s.) knew that if he let Abbas (a.s.) go and fight, there would be a massacre in the enemy rank. Imaam Hussain's (a.s.) object was to re-awaken Islam and not to score a victory on the battle field.

Just then Bibi Sakina (a.s.) came out holding a dried up mashk. She walked up to Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) and said "AL ATASH, YA AMMAHU! I am thirsty O my uncle Abbas !". Abbas (a.s.) went to Imam Hussain (a.s.) and requested for permission to go and get water for Sakina (a.s.). Imam Hussain (a.s.) gave his permission. Abbas (a.s.) put Sakina's (a.s.) mashk on the 'alam, mounted his horse and rode up to Imam Hussain (a.s.). He said "I have come to say goodbye". Imam Hussain (a.s.) said "My brother, come and embrace me". Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) dismounted his horse. There were tears in Imam's (a.s.) eyes. As Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) prepared to mount his horse, Imam Hussain (a.s.) said, "My brother, I want a gift from you. I want your sword". Hazrat Abbas (a.s.), without uttering a word, gave Imam Hussain (a.s.) his sword and rode into the battlefield, armed only with a spear and holding the 'alam.

There were 90,000 enemy soldiers in the battlefield. They had all heard of the valour of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.). A cry arose, "Abbas is coming!" Yazeed's soldiers started hiding behind one another. A few brave ones dared go near Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) but were soon put to death by the spear or by a kick.

Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) reached the river Furaat. He filled the mashk with water. He himself was very thirsty. In fact every one in Karbala was thirsty for 3 days but Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was thirsty since the 2nd of Muharram for 9 days. He took the water in his palms, looked at it and threw it away saying, "O water of Furaat, my lips can welcome you only after Sakina has quenched her thirst !?" He placed the mashk on his 'alam and started to ride back.

Umar ibn-e-Sa'ad cried out, "Do not let that water reach Hussain's camp, otherwise we shall all be doomed!"

A soldier climbed a tree and as Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was riding past the tree he struck his sword on the right shoulder The spear and the right arm fell on to the ground. Just then someone crept behind Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) and struck him on the left shoulder. His left arm and the 'alam fell. Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) gripped the mashk with his teeth. His one objective was to get the water to Bibi Sakina (a.s.). Fighting with his feet he urged the horse to get him to Imam's (a.s.) camp as quickly as possible.

Alas ! an arrow was shot. It went flying across the desert and hit the mashk. The water began to pour out and with the water all the hopes of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) poured on to the sands of Kerbala to be buried forever in the thirsty desert. Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) now did not want to go back and face Bibi Sakina (a.s.). With his feet, he signaled the horse to turn back. The enemy surrounded him from all sides. A spear came flying and struck his eye. Abbas (a.s.) fell from the horse!!. Imagine someone falling from a horse and not having his arms to support him. As he fell, he cried out "My salaams to you Ya Mawla!"

Imam Hussain (a.s.) seemed to lose all his strength when he heard the voice of his dear brother Abbas (a.s.).

When Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) left to go to fetch water, Imam (a.s.) stood at the gate of the camp watching the 'alam. Bibi Sakina (a.s.) was standing next to Imam Hussain (a.s.), also with her eyes fixed on the 'alam. When Abbas (a.s.) reached the river bank and bent down to fill the mashk, the 'alam disappeared from sight. Bibi Sakina (a.s.) was frightened and looked at her father. Imam (a.s.) said, 'Sakina, your uncle Abbas is at the river bank'. Sakina (a.s.) smiled and said, 'Alhamdulillah !' and called out all the children to welcome Abbas (a.s.). When Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) lost both arms, the 'alam fell onto the ground. Sakina (a.s.) could see it any longer! She looked at Imam Hussain (a.s.), but he turned his face away. Bibi Sakina (a.s.) began to tremble with fear and her eyes filled with tears. She raised her hands and prayed, 'Ya Allah! Do not let them kill my uncle Abbas! I will never ask for water again!' and ran inside to her mother.

Imam Hussain (a.s.) reached where Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was lying. It was a tragic sight. Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was lying on the ground. Both arms had been severed! There was an arrow in the right eye and blood blocked the left eye. As soon as Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) sensed the presence of Imam Hussain (a.s.) he said "Mawla, why did you take the trouble to come over? Please go back and look after Sakina." Imam Hussain (a.s.) said, "My dear brother, all your life you have served me and my children. Is there anything I can do for you at this last moment of you life ?" Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) replied, "Aqaa, please, clean the blood from my eye so that I can see your beloved face before I die!" Imam (a.s.) cleaned the blood. Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) fixed his gaze on Imam (a.s.). Then he said, "Mawla please do not carry my body to the camp. I do not wish Sakina to see me in this state!" Imam Hussain (a.s.) took Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) in his arms, and kissed his forehead. Just then our Mawla, our Mushkil Kushaa, Abbas ibne Ali (a.s.) breathed his last. Imam Hussain (a.s.) placed Sakina's mashk on the 'alam and carried the 'alam to the camp. He went to Bibi Zainab's (s.a.) tent. Imam Hussain (a.s.) could not say a word. He gave the 'alam to Bibi Zainab (s.a.) and sat down on the floor! The brother sister performed aza-e-Abbas.

www.warispak.com/hazratabbas.html

I Feel Pain 24/7

187,505 items / 1,475,831 views

a mystic poet
a beggar poet
my name
pain
is my inheritance
from the soul
of humanity
i claim
what the muslims
sacrifice on bakra eid
i sacrifice
in hussains name
my blood sweat tears
a cleavage of my scalp
gray matter and brain
a heretic they call me
my notoriety i disclaim
doing tandav
dance of death
on the soul
of shimr
a shia hindu
i became
for me
bakra eid
moharam
are both same
hussain is
humanity
i proclaim
reliving
the blackest
chapter
of Islam
the ignominy
the shame
yazids darbar
72 heads
on a spear
bibi zainab
the lioness cub
of ali her
kutbas her fame
in the very
court of yazid
yazidiyat
she lit flame

Bandra The Aging Queen of the Suburbs

I document Bandra , and all my pictures predominantly are shot at Bandra , Bandra West , and all this comes under Bandra Blogs , this is one man army project that includes pictures shot by my gifted soon to be four year old grand daughter Marziya Shakir, we both shoot the quintessential character of Bandra , the beggars and the street life including the famous feast days of all communities we respect all religiosity,.

Even this namaz is held under the auspices of the Sunni jamat , but I shoot it every year come what may I know most of the people, I shoot Moharam the Shia segment the faith to which I belong and the Hindu Christian angst ethos the Jains Bohras and Parsis .. what affects Bandra affects me too..

I have lived in Bandra since 25 years and the years prior to this were spent at Wodehouse Road Colaba and my mothers house 3 Mohini Mansions at Strand Cinema..But I love Bandra where all communities live in peace close proximity of their individual faith .. share the ambiance and the generated goodwill.

Both my grand daughters were born in Bandra , my daughter too.. the newest one Zaira my youngest son Saifs daughter at Masina Hospital Buculla.,..

From Wikipedia About Bandra

Bandra (Marathi: वांद्रे Vandre), is a suburb located in the north-west of Mumbai, India. It has earned the sobriquet "Queen Of The Suburbs". It is a railway station on the Western line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway. Bandra is a highly coveted location for restaurants, pubs, and high-street stores. It has several restaurants and shopping areas.

The population of Bandra is cosmopolitan in nature. It consists of a fair amount of Hindus, Muslims, Christians (Catholics and others), Parsis (Zorastrians) et al. Bandra is home to numerous churches, including Mount Mary's Basilica. The Parsi fire-temple, Tata Agiary is located on Hill Road. Other famous religious places include the Jama Masjid (mosque) located near Bandra West railway station and the temple of Goddess Jari-Mari, located on S.V Road. A municipal lake, Swami Vivekanand Talao, is located in Bandra. It was closed to the general public in the mid 1990s.

The suburb is also famous for its coastline, with promenades along Carter Road, Bandstand and Reclamation. Many Bollywood actors live along the Bandra Bandstand, Carter Road and in the Pali Hill areas.

The name 'Bandra' is possibly an adaptation of Bandar, the Persian word for Port. Many views exist on the origin and etymology behind the name of Bandra. One view states that it is derived from the name of a Portuguese princess. Another, more plausible one is that it is a corruption of the Persian word Bandar-gah. Bandar is a the word for a port in Iran. Vandre in Marathi and Bandar in Persian both mean port and are derived from the same root word in Sanskrit[citation needed]. The area was under rule the Silhara dynasty in the 12th century. It is referred to as "Bandora" on gravestones in the cemetery of St. Andrew's Church and in the writings of Mountstuart Elphinstone of the British East India Company which describe endeavours to acquire the island of Salsette.[citation needed].
Worli skyline as seen from Bandra Reclamation
A stall on Linking Road

In 1543, the Portuguese took forced possession of the seven islands that made up Bombay. The Portuguese gave the sole ownership of Bandra, Parel, Wadala and Sion to Jesuit priests. In 1570, the Jesuits built a college and a church in Bandra by the name St Anne's (Santa Anna) College and Church. In the mid-18th century, the traveller John Fryer recorded that the Jesuit church, which stood near the sea shore, was still in use[citation needed]

The Portuguese built several churches in Bandra, including St. Andrew's Church, which has a distinctive Portuguese-style façade. Bandra has the unique distinction of having the most Roman Catholic churches anywhere in the world.[citation needed] Six churches with separate parishes lie within an area of four square kilometers. These churches are: Mount Carmel, St. Peter's Church, St. Andrew's Church, St. Theresa's Church, St. Anne's and St. Francis D'Assisi Church. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is affiliated to the parish of St. Andrew's Church, Bandra.[citation needed]

In 1733, Kunbi farmers migrated to this island from Colaba because the fish manure they used was banned. They founded St. Andrew's church and St. Stanislaus's Orphanage.

Bandra remained a village with plantations of rice and vegetables in the low-lying areas of the island until getting connected to Mahim by a causeway in 1845. Many bungalows were built in the decades of the 1860s and 70s. The Pali Hill area, now inhabited mostly by members of the film community, saw the first constructions only in the 1880s.

R. D. National College was originally set up in 1922 in Hyderabad, Pakistan under the guidance of Annie Besant. After the partition of India, it was set up again, in 1949, in Bandra.

Bandra Lake

Bandra Lake, also called "Motha Reservoir" was constructed by a rich Konkani Muslim of Navpada (also spelt Naupada or Naopara), an adjoining village. [1].

The lake was later acquired by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. It was officially renamed Swami Vivekanand Sarovar. Paddle boating facilities and pisciculture activities were operational in this lake during the 1990s. This lake is now a heritage structure of status "Heritage II".[citation

The chapel of Mount Mary, was built around 1640. Lore has it that the chapel was destroyed in 1738 during a raid by Marathas. The statue of the Virgin was recovered from the sea by fishermen and temporarily installed in St. Andrew's church, before being shifted to the rebuilt Mount Mary Church in 1761. To this day, the statue is venerated and many miracles, minor and major, are attributed to the Lady of the Mount. People of all faiths and communities visit the church, giving the place a syncretic nature. The Bandra Fair is held the duration of eight days of the Octave, (starting on the Sunday following September 8) during which pilgrims come from as far North as Vasai, Virar and as far East as Thane throng the church.[2][3]
[edit] Bandra East and West

The part of Bandra located on the western side of the railway line evolved into a fashionable suburb by the middle of the 20th century. Film director, Mehboob Khan, established Mehboob Studio here in 1954. Soon the area was abuzz with film-related activities. A recording studio was set up in the 1970s.[4][5]

The eastern, in the mid-to-late 1990s emerged as a commercial and administrative hub. It houses the Family Court, Bandra-Kurla Commercial Complex, the office of the state housing development authority (MHADA), the office of the District Collector and so on. The residential quarters of the employees of the Maharashtra State Government are also located here.

Like most places in Mumbai, Bandra is split by the local railway-line into Bandra West (PIN code 400050) and Bandra-East (PIN code 400051).

Most roads and places in Bandra possess English names that were given to them during the British rule. They have been renamed over time but many are still popularly known by their old names.

Neighbouring suburbs: Dharavi, Khar, Kurla, Mahim, Santacruz
Arterial Roads: Swami Vivekanand Road (S.V Road), Linking Road, Turner Road (Guru Nanak Marg), Hill Road (Renamed Ramdas Nayak Marg), Carter Road (Renamed Naushad Ali Marg), Navpada Road (Balsamant), Western Express Highway. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link connects the western par of Bandra to Worli by the sea route, thus diverting a lot of road traffic.

[edit] Transport
Bandra Railway Station(2008)
Bandra Worli SeaLink Project

Bandra railway station is connected via the Western Railway and the Harbour Line, which is an offshoot of the suburban Central Railway. It also has a newly built terminus called Bandra Terminus in Bandra (E) from where trains bound for northern and western India are scheduled regularly. The important trains include the Bandra - Indore Express, Bandra - Patna Express, Bandra - Jaipur Express, Bandra - Jodhpur Express and the Bandra - Amritsar Express

Public transport BEST buses, auto rickshaws and taxis are abundant. As you travel southwards, Bandra is the last point upto which auto rickshaws ply. Beyond Bandra, as you enter Mahim, only taxis are allowed to ply.

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge connects Bandra West with Worli located in central Mumbai.

Due to Bandra's central location, most parts of the city are easily accessible.

Jogger's Park: Jogger's Park is a small seaside jogging track where joggers of Bandra congregate. The pretty little park, next to the Otter's Club, another recreation place for Bandra denizens, was where Bombay's first laughing club was launched.
Bandra Reclamation
Mount Mary's Basilica (in picture)
Castella de Aguada , a seventeenth century fort at Land's End, the southernmost point of Bandra
Bandstand Promenade
Bandra-Kurla complex

[edit] Problems

Despite commanding one of the highest property rates in Mumbai and being considered a most fashionable place to live in, Bandra has long suffered from problems of to over-crowding, traffic congestions, haphazard construction of buildings and illegal hawking. Parking space availability is a major problem. Hill Road, one of Bandra's major roads continues to be heavily congested due to illegal hawkers setting up shops on the road itself. Also, the prices of commodities is higher compared to the other suburbs. Demolition of old bungalows along the narrow bylanes for new high rises has resulted in Bandra losing its charm and becoming a display of unplanned constructions leading to a multitude of problems.

The Namaz Up Close


removes all worries
removes all woes
allah ho akbar
from above
down below
blessings flow
the world
all aglow
head bowed
piety rows and rows
through the passion
of poetry as it grows
what i saw was
what i froze
the namaz
the path
of peace
for his followers
that god chose
poetic prose

Head Bowed To God We Pray

210,091 items / 1,735,621 views

he is the path
salvation
deliverance
all the way
even for
those gun toting
human killing
mean machine
gone astray
suicide bombers
arsonists
spiritual thugs
bandits
by the way
led by rogue
mullahs
who build
their kingdoms
fiefdoms
in every way
mercenaries
faces masked
kill rob rape
bomb and slay
while eunuch
society silent
looks the other way
like it was at karbala
when hussain
bowed his head
he taught
us how to pray
his head decapitated
by a blunt dagger
to save humanity
from yazid
of his time
a price
he did pay
through
the namaz
i show you
the power
of god
in every way

Eid al-Adha


210,091 items / 1,735,600 views

I shot most of my pictures from the road , I did not feel like going to the skywalk, I wanted proximity of spiritual peace and later much later I went up and shot a few frames from the sky walk..I did not shoot much ,and I shot the children Idd hugging picture that the parents generously give of the kids for for the next days lucky to be there in the newspapers.. The kids too have learnt the task of posing for the cameras , these kids are the best along with the sole girl.. they are the most wanted by the camera folks even bloggers like me..

I shoot the namaz barefeet as I do not want to disrespect the sanctity of the namaz with footwear..

About Eid Al Addha or Bakra Idd

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى‎ ‘Īd al-’Aḍḥá, IPA: [ʕiːd al ʔadˁˈħaː], "feast of sacrifice") or "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma'il) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a sheep— to sacrifice instead.[1]

Eid al-Adha is the latter of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from Sura 2 (Al-Baqara) Ayah 196 in the Qur'an.[2] Like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a Sunnah prayer of two Raka'ah (units) followed by a sermon (khuṭbah).

The word "Eid" appears in Sura al-Mai'da ("The Table Spread," Chapter 5) of the Qur'an, meaning 'solemn festival'.[3]

Eid al-Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجة) of the lunar Islamic calendar.[4] Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months & 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan, i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr. Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.[5]


The Arabic term "Festival of Sacrifice", ‘Eid ul-’Aḍḥā, is similar to the Semitic roots that evolved into Indic languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati and Bengali and Austronesian languages such as Malay and Indonesian (the last often spelling it as Idul Adha or Iduladha).

Another Semitic word for "sacrifice" is the Arabic Qurbān (Arabic: قربان‎), which is used in Dari Persian and Standard Persian as Eyde Ghorbân عید قربان, and in Tajik Persian as Иди Қурбон (Idi Qurbon), into Kazakh as Құрбан айт (Qurban ayt), into Uyghur as Qurban Heyit, and also into various Indic languages. Other languages combined the Arabic word qurbān with local terms for "festival", as in Kurdish (Cejna Qurbanê[6]), Pashto (Kurbaneyy Akhtar), Chinese (古尔邦节 Gúěrbāng Jié), Malay and Indonesian (Hari Raya Korban, Qurbani), and Turkish (Kurban Bayramı).Azeri (Qurban Bayramı), Tatar (Qorban Bäyräme), Bosnian (Kurban bajram), Albanian(Bajramin e Kurbanit) Croatian (Kurban-bajram), Serbian (Курбан бајрам), Russian (Курбан-байрам), (Eid Kurbani Wari) in Sindhi.
Eid al-Kabir, "the Greater Eid" (the "Lesser Eid" being Eid ul-Fitr[7]), is used in Yemen, Syria, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt). The term was borrowed directly into French as Aïd el-Kebir. Translations of "Big Eid" or "Greater Eid" are used in Pashto لوی اختر Loy Akhtar, Kashmiri Baed Eid, Hindi and Urdu Baṛā Īd, Malayalam Bali Perunnal, and Tamil Peru Nāl.

Another name refers to the fact that the holiday occurs after the culmination of the Hajj (حج), or pilgrimage to Mecca (Makka). Such names are used in Malay and Indonesian (Hari Raya Haji "Hajj celebration day", Lebaran Haji), and in Tamil Hajji Peru Nāl.

In Urdu-speaking areas, the festival is also called بقرعید Baqra Īd or Baqrī Īd, stemming either from the Arabic baqarah "heifer" or the Urdu word baqrī for "goat", as cows and goats are among the traditionally sacrificed animals. That term was also borrowed into other languages, such as Tamil Bakr Eid Peru Nāl.

Other local names include 宰牲节 Zǎishēng Jié ("Slaughter-livestock Festival") in Chinese, Tfaska Tamoqqart in the Berber language of Djerba, Tabaski or Tobaski in West African languages,[8][9] Babbar Sallah in Nigerian languages, and ciida gawraca in Somali.

Eid-al-Adha has had other names outside the Muslim world. The name is often simply translated into the local language, such as English Festival of Sacrifice, German Opferfest, Dutch Offerfeest, Romanian Sărbătoarea Sacrificiului and Hungarian Áldozati ünnep. In Spanish, it is known as the Fiesta del Cordero, the Festival of the Lamb.

In Bangladesh and West Bengal it is known as Korbanir Eid কোরবানির ঈদ.


According to Islamic tradition, approximately four thousand years ago, the valley of Mecca (in what is now Saudi Arabia) was a dry, rocky and uninhabited place. Abraham ('Ibraheem in Arabic) was instructed to bring his Egyptian wife Hajra (Hāǧar) and Ishmael, his only child at the time (Ismā'īl), to Arabia from the land of Canaan by God's command.[citation needed]

As Abraham was preparing for his return journey back to Canaan, Hajra asked him, "Did Allah (God) order you to leave us here? or are you leaving us here to die." Abraham turned around to face his wife. He was so sad that he couldn't say anything. he pointed to the sky showing that God commanded him to do so. Hagar said, "Then Allah will not waste us; you can go". Though Abraham had left a large quantity of food and water with Hajra and Ishmael, the supplies quickly ran out, and within a few days the two began to feel the pangs of hunger and dehydration.

Hajra ran up and down between two hills called Al-Safa and Al-Marwah seven times, in her desperate quest for water. Exhausted, she finally collapsed beside her baby Ishmael and prayed to God for deliverance. Miraculously, a spring of water gushed forth from the earth at the feet of baby Ishmael. Other accounts have the angel Gabriel (Jibrail) striking the earth and causing the spring to flow in abundance. With this secure water supply, known as the Zamzam Well, they were not only able to provide for their own needs, but were also able to trade water with passing nomads for food and supplies.

Years later, Abraham was instructed by God to return from Canaan to build a place of worship adjacent to Hagar's well (the Zamzam Well). Abraham and Ishmael constructed a stone and mortar structure —known as the Kaaba— which was to be the gathering place for all who wished to strengthen their faith in God. As the years passed, Ishmael was blessed with Prophethood (Nubuwwah) and gave the nomads of the desert his message of submission to God. After many centuries, Mecca became a thriving desert city and a major center for trade, thanks to its reliable water source, the well of Zamzam.

One of the main trials of Abraham's life was to face the command of God to devote his dearest possession, his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to God's will. During this preparation, Satan (Shaitan) tempted Abraham and his family by trying to dissuade them from carrying out God's commandment, and Ibrahim drove Satan away by throwing pebbles at him. In commemoration of their rejection of Satan, stones are thrown at symbolic pillars signifying Satan during the Hajj rites.

hen Ishmael was about 13 (Ibrahim being 99), Allah (God) decided to test their faith in public. Abraham had a recurring dream, in which God was commanding him to offer his son as a sacrifice – an unimaginable act – sacrificing his son, which God had granted him after many years of deep prayer. Abraham knew that the dreams of the prophets were divinely inspired, and one of the ways in which God communicated with his prophets. When the intent of the dreams became clear to him, Abraham decided to fulfill God's command and offer Ishmael for sacrifice.

Although Abraham was ready to sacrifice his dearest for Allah's sake, he could not just go and drag his son to the place of sacrifice without his consent. Isma'el had to be consulted as to whether he was willing to give up his life as fulfillment to God's command. This consultation would be a major test of Isma'el's maturity in faith, love and commitment for Allah, willingness to obey his father and sacrifice his own life for the sake of Allah.

Abraham presented the matter to his son and asked for his opinion about the dreams of slaughtering him. Ishmael did not show any hesitation or reservation even for a moment. He said, "Father, do what you have been commanded. You will find me, Insha'Allah (God willing), to be very patient." His mature response, his deep insight into the nature of his father’s dreams, his commitment to Allah, and ultimately his willingness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of Allah were all unprecedented.

When both father and son had shown their perfect obedience to Allah and they had practically demonstrated their willingness to sacrifice their most precious possessions for His sake — Abraham by laying down his son for sacrifice and Ishmael by lying patiently under the knife – Allah called out to them stating that his sincere intentions had been accepted, and that he need not carry out the killing of Ishmael. Instead, Abraham was told to replace his son with a ram to sacrifice instead. Allah also told them that they had passed the test imposed upon them by his willingness to carry out God's command.[10]

This is mentioned in the Qur'an as follows:

"O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!" So We gave him the good news of a boy, possessing forbearance. And when (his son) was old enough to walk and work with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah wills, you will find me one practising patience and steadfastness!" So when they both submitted and he threw him down upon his forehead, We called out to him saying: O Ibraheem! You have indeed fulfilled the vision; surely thus do We reward those who do good. Most surely this was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. And We perpetuated (praise) to him among the later generations. "Peace and salutation to Abraham!" Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. Surely he was one of Our believing servants.[11]

As a reward for this sacrifice, Allah then granted Abraham the good news of the birth of his second son, Is-haaq (Isaac):

And We gave him the good news of Is-haaq, a prophet from among the righteous.[12]

Abraham had shown that his love for God superseded all others: that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dearest to him in submission to God's command. Muslims commemorate this ultimate act of sacrifice every year during Eid al-Adha.
[edit] The Sunnah of Eid al-Adha

n keeping with the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims are encouraged to prepare themselves for the occasion of Eid. Below is a list of things Muslims are recommended to do in preparation for the Eid al-Adha festival:

Make wudu (ablution) and offer Salat al-Fajr (the pre-sunrise prayer).
Prepare for personal cleanliness - take care of details of clothing, etc.
Dress up, putting on new or best clothes available.

[edit] Salat al-Eid (Eid prayer)

Salat al-Eid is a Wajib, not a fard kafaya. Fard kafaya meaning that if performed by some, the obligation falls from the rest congregational prayer. Eid prayer must be offered in congregation. It consists of two Raka'ah (units) with seven Takbirs in the first Raka'ah and five Takbirs in the second Raka'ah. For Sunni Muslims, Salat al-Eid differs from the five daily canonical prayers in that no adhan (Call to Prayer) or iqama (call) is pronounced for the two Eid prayers.[13] However, Shi'ite Muslims may begin Salat al-Eid with adhan (Call to Prayer)—with a third repetition of the line "Hayya ala salah" ("Come to prayer")—and iqama (call).[14] The Salaat (prayer) is then followed by the Khutbah, or sermon, by the Imam.

At the conclusion of the prayers and sermon, the Muslims embrace and exchange greetings with one other (Eid Mubarak), give gifts (Eidi) to children, and visit one another. Many Muslims also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslims friends, neighbours, co-workers and classmates to their Eid festivities to better acquaint them about Islam and Muslim culture.[15]


Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer (ṣalātu l-`Īdi) in a large congregation is an open waqf field called Eidgah or mosque. Those Muslims who can afford, i.e Malik-e-Nisaab; sacrifice their best domestic animals (usually a cow, but can also be a camel, goat, sheep or ram depending on the region) as a symbol of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son. The sacrificed animals, called Uḍhiyyah (Arabic: أضحية‎, also known by its Persian term, "al-Qurbāni"), have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice. This tradition accounts for more than 100 million slaughtering of animals in only 2 days of Eid. In Pakistan alone nearly 10 million animals are slaughtered on Eid days costing over US$ 3 billion.[17]

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the other third is given to the poor and needy. The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by concerted efforts to see that no impoverished person is left without an opportunity to partake in the sacrificial meal during these days.

During Eid al-Adha, distributing meat amongst the people, chanting the Takbir out loud before the Eid prayer on the first day and after prayers throughout the three days of Eid, are considered essential parts of this important Islamic festival. In some countries, families that do not own livestock can make a contribution to a charity that will provide meat to those who are in need.

The Hijra On Bakra Idd

210,064 items / 1,735,386 views

no reproductive
organs a barren
womb
on the soul
of humanity
he breeds
hijras
children
of a lesser god
half breed
human
but bleeds
tortured
by every caste
community
creed
he tries
to rise
falls
cannot
succeed
trampled
underfoot
by homophobic
society
in a stampede

The Barefeet Blogger on Bakra Idd

The Hijra On Bakra Idd

Spotting a hijra has always been auspicious to me as I consider them an integral part of the human order and the human spectrum..
They are men who have decided to live life as women , and they live peacefully unless you provoke them , but they are target for abuse , homophobic hate of society that considers them lower than the lowest..
Hijras come out on Bakra Idd to beg and most of all to get some meat as kurbani meat is holy and healing too..

I met the hijras near my house , they come for meat too, but this was the group that my grand daughter Marziya Shakir 3 year old shot, so they inquired about her , Marziya is at her mothers place out of Mumbai.

But as a street photographer my grand daughter is highly respected and has a big fan following among the beggars and the slum kids.

We shoot pictures but we are both bloggers , our pictures will never end up as prints we see pictures as blogs we shoot photo blogs each picture is a means to an end and an unending story of life sufferings and pain..

Having shot the zanjir matam on the streets Marziya Shakir knows pain and has felt pain..

We Are Muslims On The Soul of Humanity


Shooting the Bakra Idd Namaz Bandra Station Road

Chacha as I call him is a selfless grass root volunteer of Allah worker of peace , he supervises the crowds and Allhamdo Lilah the Namaz goes of peacefully , the Bandra Muslims are humble and compassionate and it is a a honor to shoot the Namaz as an offering of peace devotion to the Maker .

As The Goat Bleeds I Will Bleed Too

210,035 items / 1,735,338 views

on the streets
of Mumbai
doing tandav
on the soul of shimr
cursing yazid
the shia hindu
a white man
shooting
moharam too
clothes
covered in blood
a brooklyn jew
from manhattan
new york
giving my faith
his pictorial due
as my blade
cut the goats neck
blood sinew
a sacrifice
on the soul
of Islam
it was Hussain
human humble
to his granfathers
pledge steadfast
so true he gave his
head but
not his hand
the namaz for
all times
from accursed
yazid
he rescued

Bakra Idd Mubarak 2011 My New Set Flickr.com

210,035 items / 1,735,312 views

Cutting the kurbani bakra is an art and a fine tuned technique not causing pain to the sacrificial goat, and following the tenets of kurbani..and this was shot a few years back but I am updating the post today adding it to my new set Bakra Idd 2011 .

I did not go to buy the bakra this year but I got up early , to go and shoot the Idd Namaz at the Bandra Station , there were not many photographers this time, the Bandra Police bandobast was excellent Senior Inspector Samad Shaikh led from the front, and the proceedings went off peacefully, I shot the Muslims beggars not many , of course I shot a Hindu beggar girl dressed in an elaborate hijab too face covered and all , and why not she will get good money and charity is charity she was with a group I know and are very ingenious .. I have no issue necessity is the mother of invention..Being a photographer who documents the life of beggars urchins etc I have a dossier in my head of most of the beggars in Bandra in my area


I shot bakra kurbani in the slums and in the neighboring building near my house.

I shot the beggar hijras the same ones my grand daughter Marziya Shakir shot last year.

My wife and sons bought the bakra had it cut at Ebu bhais place but it was very expensive this year they were grumbling ..we are the middle class the vanishing class , we dont buy expensive goats our sacrifice is the token of our humility and gratitude for his bounty his benevolence and generosity.

So this is the Introduction of my new set at Flickr which includes the Idd Namaz and the kurbani.. pictures of goats I shot prior to Bakra Idd I will include in this set..
I missed my friend Pratik Koli.. and more than anything I miss both my grand daughters Marziya Shakir Nerjis Asif Shakir ther are at their mothers hometown.

My new grand daughter Zaira Saif Shakir is also at her mothers place so it is a very quiet Bakra Idd my end..

I have just come home showered and will upload my pictures now ..

Even if I got Times of India Free I Would Not Read It

210,035 items / 1,735,256 views


I subscribe to DNA and Hindustan Times I gave up the Times of India after their racist headlines on the Ayodha Mandir verdict issue , I decided never to buy it or read it even if I got it free and I have stuck to my vow ..so even the drastic cut and discount does not do any magic where I am concerned .. Times of India is an elitist paper of the rich by the rich for the rich.. my personal opinion .. it was the only newspaper at our house along with Inquilab for several decades not anymore..after my mothers death we stopped Inquilab too..

And I still dont understand why DNA allowed the viral piece on Subramaniam Sawmy .. was it to malign its Muslim readers or is there some hidden agenda to rob us of our voting rights and to send us back to Pakistan , we certainly dont belong there being Indian citizens .. it bothers me even now how could they even have thought of his article as a freedom of speech when it hurt all Muslim sentiments and as usual the government turned a Nelsons eye .. he should have been pulled up and action should have taken against him and DNA ..

I am stuck with DNA because I paid them for a two years subscription..

Documenting The Story Of Faith and Blood On Bakra Eid

I will document the same during
Moharam when I shoot blood sweat and tears
another chapter within the soul of our creed
a message of good over evil indeed
a battle of faith hussain and yazeed
he gave his head like a sacrificial lamb
but not his hand for his life
he did not plead fulfilling
a bayt a thoroughbred
throne kingdom power
of yazeed he did not need
hussain is humility
humanity in the lead

more than all the lambs sacrificed
on bakra eid on ashura day
the shias will bleed

Idd Namaz

From the fast the rozas
we take a pause
early morning
the call for the Idd Namaz
our salvation
our redemption
our spiritual cause
forgiving
others for their flaws
while on the periphery
of prayers
those who beg
face covered
as the time draws
on idd day the poor
have a bridge to cross
idd a message of peace
brotherhood is what
comes across

Ashura 10 Moharam



From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Day of Ashura (Arabic: عاشوراء‎ ʻĀshūrā’, Ashura, Ashoura, and other spellings; Turkish: Aşure Günü) is on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram.

It is commemorated by Shia Muslims as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram in the year 61 AH (October 2, 680 CE).[2] According to Sunni Muslim tradition, Muhammad fasted on this day and asked other people to fast.[3][4] Sunni Muslims also remember the day claiming that Moses fasted on that day to express gratitude to God for liberating the Israelites from Egypt.

In some shia regions of Muslim countries such as Albania, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Bahrain, the Commemoration of Husayn ibn Ali has become a national holiday and most ethnic and religious communities participate in it. Even in predominantly Hindu country like India, Ashura (often called Moharram) is a public holiday.


The root for the word ashura has the meaning of tenth in Semitic languages; hence the name of the remembrance, literally translated, means "the tenth day". According to the orientalist A.J. Wensinck, the name is derived from the Hebrew ʿāsōr, with the Aramaic determinative ending.[5] The day is indeed the tenth day of the month, although some Islamic scholars offer up different etymologies.

In his book Ghuniyatut Talibin, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani writes that the Islamic scholars have a difference of opinion as to why this day is known as Ashura, with some scholars suggesting that this day is the tenth most important day that God has blessed Muslims with.[citation needed]


his day is well-known because of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad and the third Shia Imam, along with members of his family and close friends at the Battle of Karbala in the year 61 AH (680 CE). Yazid I was in power then and wanted the Bay'ah (allegiance) of Husayn ibn Ali. Muslims believe Yazid was openly going against the teachings of Islam in public and changing the sunnah of Muhammad.[6][6][7]

Husayn in his path toward Kufa encountered the army of Ubayd-Allah ibn Ziyad, the governor of Kufa. On October 10, 680 (Muharram 10, 61 AH), he and his small group of companions and family members, who were between 72 men [8][9] fought with a large army of perhaps more than 100,000 men under the command of Umar ibn Sa'ad, son of the founder of Kufa. Husayn and all of his men were killed. Before he died, he said "if the religion of Mohammad was not going to live on except with me dead, let the swords tear me to pieces."[10][unreliable source?]. Some of the bodies of the dead, including that of Husayn, were then mutilated.[2]

Commemoration for Husayn ibn Ali began after the Battle of Karbala. After the massacre, the Umayyad army looted Husayn's camp and set off with his women and children for the court of Ibn Ziyad. A moving oration delivered by Zaynab in Kufa is recorded in some sources. The prisoners were next sent to the court of Yazid, Umayyad caliph, in Damascus, where one of his Syrian followers asked for Husayn's daughter Faṭimah al-Kubra, and once again it was Zaynab who came to the rescue and protected her honour. The family remained in Yazid's prison for a time. The first assembly (majlis) of Commemoration of Husayn ibn Ali is said to have been held by Zaynab in prison. In Damascus, too, she is reported to have delivered a poignant oration. The prison sentence ended when Husayn's 3 year old daughter, Janabe Rukaiyya, died in captivity, unaware of her father's martyrdom. She often cried in prison to be allowed to see her father. She is believed to have passed away when she saw her fathers mutilated head. Her death caused an uproar in the city, and Yazid, fearful of a potential resulting revolution, freed the captives.[11]
"Zaynab bint Ali quoted as she passed the prostrate body of her brother, Husayn. " O Muhammad! O Muhammad! May the angels of heaven bless you. Here is Husayn in the open, stained with blood and with limbs torn off. O Muhammad! Your daughters are prisoners, your progeny are killed, and the east wind blows dust over them." By God! She made every enemy and friend weep."
Tabari, History of the Prophets and Kings, Volume XIX The Caliphate of Yazid.[12]

Husayn's grave became a pilgrimage site among Shi'a only a few years after his death. A tradition of pilgrimage to the Imam Husayn Shrine and the other Karbala martyrs quickly developed, which is known as Ziarat Ashura.[13] The Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs tried to prevent construction of the shrines and discouraged pilgrimage to the sites.[14] The tomb and its annexes were destroyed by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil in 850-851 and Shi'a pilgrimage was prohibited, but shrines in Karbala and Najaf were built by the Buwayhid emir 'Adud al-Daula in 979-80.[15]

Public rites of remembrance for Husayn's martyrdom developed from the early pilgrimages[citation needed]. Under the Buyid dynasty, Mu'izz ad-Dawla officiated at public commemoration of Ashura in Baghdad[citation needed]. These commemorations were also encouraged in Egypt by the Fatimid caliph al-'Aziz[citation needed]. From Seljuq times[citation needed], Ashura rituals began to attract participants from a variety of backgrounds, including Sunnis[citation needed]. With the recognition of Twelvers as the official religion by the Safavids, Mourning of Muharram extended throughout the first ten days of Muharram.[13]
[edit] Significance of Ashura for Shi'a Muslims
Taziya procession carried out by Shiite Muslims in Indian town of Hallaur on the Day of Ashura.
Shi'a devotees congregate outside the Sydney Opera House, Australia to commemorate Husayn.

This day is of particular significance to Shi'a and Alawite Muslims, who consider Husayn (the grandson of Muhamad) Ahl al-Bayt the third Imam and the rightful successor of Muhammad. Shi'as make pilgrimages on Ashura, as they do forty days later on Arba'een, to the Mashhad al-Husayn, the shrine in Karbala, Iraq that is traditionally held to be Husayn's tomb. On this day Shi'a are in remembrance, and mourning attire is worn. They refrain from music, since Arabic culture generally considers music impolite during death rituals. It is a time for sorrow and respect of the person's passing, and it is also a time for self-reflection, when one commits oneself to the mourning of the Husayn completely. Weddings and parties are also never planned on this date by Shi'as. Shi'as also express mourning by crying and listening to poems about the tragedy and sermons on how Husayn and his family were martyred. This is intended to connect them with Husayn's suffering and martyrdom, and the sacrifices he made to keep Islam alive. Husayn's martyrdom is widely interpreted by Shi'a as a symbol of the struggle against injustice, tyranny, and oppression.[16]
Shi'a Muslims in Malir, Pakistan performing zanjeer--ritual flagellation.

Shi'as believe the Battle of Karbala was between the forces of good and evil with Husayn representing good while Yazid represented evil. Shi'as also believe the Battle of Karbala was fought to keep the Muslim religion untainted of any corruptions and they believed the path that Yazid was directing Islam was definitely for his own personal greed.[citation needed]


Shia Imams strongly insist that the day of Ashura should not be taken as a day of joy and festivity. According to a hadith which is reported from Ali some people fabricated a hadith claiming it was on that day the God forgave Adam, Noah's Ark rested on dry land, The Israelites were saved from Pharaoh's army, etc. The day of Ashura, according to Eighth Shia Imam, Ali al-Rida, must be observed as a day of inactivity, sorrow and total disregard of worldly cares.[17]

Some of the events associated with Ashura are held in special congregation halls known as "Imambargah" and Hussainia.[citation needed]

As suffering and cutting the body with knives or chains (matam) have been prohibited by Shi'a marjas like Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran,[18] some Shi'a observe mourning with blood donation which is called "Qame Zani"[18] and flailing.[19] Yet some Shi'ite men and boys, considered heretics by some Muslim scholars, slash themselves with razors (zanjeer) or swords (talwar) and allow their blood to run freely.[19]

Certain rituals like the traditional flagellation ritual called Talwar zani (talwar ka matam or sometimes tatbir) using a sword or zanjeer zani or zanjeer matam, involving the use of a zanjeer (a chain with blades) are also performed.[20] These are religious customs that show solidarity with Husayn and his family. People mourn the fact that they were not present at the battle to fight and save Husayn and his family.[21][22]

Shia commonly believe that taking part in Ashura is to be absolved of sin[citation needed]. A popular Shia saying has it that, `a single tear shed for Husayn washes away a hundred sins.`[23]

For Shi'as, commemoration of Ashura is not a festival, but rather a sad event, while Sunni Muslims view it as a victory God has given to his prophet, Moses. This victory is the very reason, as Sunni Muslims believe, Muhammad mentioned when recommending fasting on this day. For Shi'as, it is a period of intense grief and mourning. Mourners, congregate at a Mosque for sorrowful, poetic recitations such as marsiya, noha, latmiya and soaz performed in memory of the martyrdom of Husayn, lamenting and grieving to the tune of beating drums and chants of "Ya Hussain." Also Ulamas give sermons with themes of Husayn's personality and position in Islam, and the history of his uprising. The Sheikh of the mosque retells the Battle of Karbala to allow the listeners to relive the pain and sorrow endured by Husayn and his family. In Arab countries like Iraq and Lebanon they read Maqtal Al-Husayn. In some places, such as Iran, Iraq and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, Ta'zieh, passion plays, are also performed reenacting the Battle of Karbala and the suffering and martyrdom of Husayn at the hands of Yazid.[citation needed]
Tabuiks being lowered in to the sea in Pariaman, Indonesia, by Shia Muslims.

For the duration of the remembrance, it is customary for mosques and some people to provide free meals (Niazz) on certain nights of the month to all people[citation needed]. People donate food and Middle Eastern sweets to the mosque[citation needed]. These meals are viewed as being special and holy, as they have been consecrated in the name of Husayn, and thus partaking of them is considered an act of communion with God, Hussain, and humanity.[citation needed]

Participants congregate in public processions for ceremonial chest beating (matham/latmiya) as a display of their devotion to Husayn, in remembrance of his suffering and to preach that oppression will not last in the face of truth and justice.[24] Others pay tribute to the time period by holding a Majilis, Surahs from the Quran and Maqtal Al-Husayn are read.

Today in Indonesia, the event is known as Tabuik (Minangkabau language) or Tabut (Indonesian). Tabuik is the local manifestation of the Shi'a Muslim Remembrance of Muharram among the Minangkabau people in the coastal regions of West Sumatra, particularly in the city of Pariaman. The festival includes reenactments of the Battle of Karbala, and the playing of tassa and dhol drums.[citation needed]

In countries like Turkey, there is the custom of eating Noah's Pudding (Ashure) as this day in Turkish is known as Aşure.
[edit] Commemoration of Husayn ibn Ali by non-Muslims
A tadjah at Hosay in Port of Spain during the 1950s

In some countries other religious communities commemorate this event.

In Trinidad and Tobago[25] and Jamaica[26] all ethnic and religious communities participate in this event, locally known as "Hosay" or "Hussay", from "Husayn".

The Sunni and Shi'a schism is highlighted by the difference in observance by Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. The violence is perpetrated by extremists. In countries that have significant populations of both sects, there is often violence during the holiday.

On June 20, 1994 the explosion of a bomb in a prayer hall of Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad[35] killed at least 25 people.[36] The Iranian government officially blamed Mujahedin-e-Khalq for the incident to avoid sectarian conflict between Shias and Sunnis.[37] However, the Pakistani daily The News International reported on March 27, 1995, "Pakistani investigators have identified a 24-year-old religious fanatic Abdul Shakoor residing in Lyari in Karachi, as an important Pakistani associate of Ramzi Yousef. Abdul Shakoor had intimate contacts with Ramzi Ahmed Yousef and was responsible for the June 20, 1994, massive bomb explosion at the shrine Imam Ali Reza in Mashhad."[38]

The 2004 (1425 AH) Shi'a pilgrimage to Karbala, the first since Saddam Hussein was removed from power in Iraq, was marred by bomb attacks, which killed and wounded hundreds despite tight security.

On January 19, 2008, 7 million Iraqi Shia pilgrims marched through Karbala city, Iraq to commemorate Ashura. 20,000 Iraqi troops and police guarded the event amid tensions due to clashes between Iraqi troops and members of a Shia cult, the Soldiers of Heaven, which left around 263 people dead (in Basra and Nasiriya).[39]

On December 27, 2009, tens of thousands of opposition protesters in Iran demonstrated in conjunction with the day of Ashura. Clashes between anti-riot forces and demonstrators occurred in several Iranian cities. Among others, the nephew of the opposition leader Mir-Hossein Mousavi was killed.[40]

On December 28, 2009, dozens of people were killed and hundreds injured (including both Shia and Sunni commemorators) during the Ashura procession when a massive bomb exploded at the procession in Karachi, Pakistan (See: 2009 Karachi bombing). Reuters[41]

On December 15, 2010, 200 Shia followers were detained by the Selangor Islamic Department (JAIS) in a raid at a shop house in Sri Gombak known as Hauzah Imam Ali ar-Ridha (Hauzah ArRidha). According to the Selangor Mufti's fatwa, Shiisme is considered a deviant from Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah or Sunni as some of its teachings contradict from aqidah and syariah views of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah. Khusrin said all those who were detained will be charged under Section 12 © of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995 which are insulting, rejecting, or dispute the violation of the instructions set out and given a fatwa by the religious authorities. ABNA[42]
[edit] Ashura in the Gregorian calendar

One Person Who Loved Marziya The Most was Jeff Lamb Ann Arbor


Late Jeff Lamb Flickr photographer dear friend , was a person who loved Marziyas pictures her photography skills , and he would send me messages , we kept in touch , he was a fighter he fought all odd but Death did not scare him or bother him , his pictures were his strength , and though I never met him it seemed he was connected to me from some distant cosmic past..

And this picture of Marziya Shakir my grand daughter and Lucky the neigbors Labrador is my tribute to our everlasting friendship.

The Internet gave me some fabulous friends , and the one regret I have leaving Facebook , was not informing my friends I was shutting my account , I miss Leyla Lamb , Jeffs wife and so many who I know wont come to Google+
Facebook is a home of the Aged , the young and a Home only a click away from home .. a home that Google+ with due apologies to Mr VIic Gundotra can never ever replace ..

It is a bug that does not leave your system one it enters through the heart soul and mind..
I dont miss Facebook but I do miss my Facebook friends over 2000 of them..friends I cultivated nurtured I was choosy about adding friends I chose rightly I lost some because as a romantic poet I fell in love with their slithering silhouette ..

I seek their forgiveness wherever they are ..

He Died Because He Did Not Get The Google Plus Invite

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his life cut short
poetic plight
great hopes
dashed to earth
his soul in flight
now going in circles
in time and space
a blithe spirit
in spectral light
he was expecting his
best friend from yahoo
mohan nellore
to give him the google
plus invite
mohan over generous
gave his to renie ranvin
magic eye a thought
that made him uptight
he got a sudden stroke
spasms he died
in his sleep at midnight
rest in peace dear mouse
prayers for your departed soul
at facebook they will recite
you will be remembered
as a malang a good shiite
you were kind courteous
honest sincere extremely polite

to your hijra friends they said
you died of a poisonous snakebite
from facebook flickr twitter
you get much needed respite
you obituary as a blog
your best friend fred miller
will ghostwrite your ashes
will be immersed in the ganges
by randall poetry pathos unite
dust to dust ashes to ashes
goodnight ....blogging
the fucked soul of humanity
your birthright shadows
highlight monochromatic
menopausal black and white

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