Late Akthar Imam Saabs Majlis 2012 Chapel Road Bandra, a photo by firoze shakir photographerno1 on Flickr.
This is a picture I shot in 2009 and father and son , Akthar Imam Saab and and his son Misam, standing at the doors of their house welcoming the Azadars to their house majlis..all roads led to their house as their house majlis is where the message of Hussain is interpreted as living in peace with all communities .
So Hindus Christians even Sunnis flocked to their majlis to savor their hospitality and a generous spread of lavish Niyaz e Hussain.
But tragedy struck this beautiful peace loving family and Mr Akthar Imam Saab passed away on Eid e Mubhaila he was unwell for sometime and we were not aware of this as it was the day my wife was leaving for Karbala. 21 .November 2011.
I met Misam at Kaisar Bagh this Moharam and was shocked about his fathers passing away.. so today was their house majlis and Misam took on the mantle of his father welcoming the azadars all alone , but his fathers spirit was there I could sense it feel it.. and I did not carry my camera and for the first time shot pictures on the emulsion of my beggar poets soul.
I did not carry a camera as I dont know Misam too well as I knew his father as we shared an equation of love respect , and I told this to Misam..
The majlis was well attended recited by Maulana Hasnain Kararvi..the discourse was enlightening on the message of Hussain and the importance of Namaz ..though arrows kept falling on him by the Yazidi army Imam Hussain upheld the respect of the Namaz ..the spiritual internet server that connected man with God..the essence of Islam of Peace and Brotherhood..
After the majlis fatiah for the eternal soul of Akthar Imam Saab there was the Niyaz , the fragrance aroma spread as it touched the azadars . and served after the niyaz was hot tasty tea..
So Death may snatch away our loved ones yet , it cannot snatch the heritage of Hussain , Misam stood for his father and on his frail shoulders he carried the tradition started by his dad..the ladies matam above pierced through the walls taking me back into time back into my childhood at Lucknow Pata Nala Kankar Kua off Nakhas in the house of my late Grand father Daroga Nabban Sab descendant of Mir Anees ..
Aye Shion ke Mehman Khuda Hafiz o Nazir..
