The annual Muharram majalis at Azakhana Riffat Hashmi in Islamabad concluded amid a deeply devotional atmosphere, as mourners gathered throughout the first ten days of Muharram to commemorate the sacrifices of Karbala. The gatherings, held under the supervision of Special Secretary National Assembly and media anchor Syed Shamoon Hashmi, continued a tradition that has marked the venue for more than two decades.
From the first day of Muharram until the eve of Ashura, renowned religious scholar Allama Syed Mubashir Zaidi delivered a series of sermons on the theme Mizan-e-Istikhlaf and the Qualities of the Representative of the Almighty. Drawing from the Holy Quran, the traditions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the sayings of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), the lectures highlighted the spiritual, moral and religious lessons associated with the message of Karbala.
As part of the commemorative observances, the symbolic cradle of Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) was taken out on 6th Muharram, followed by the Mehndi procession of Hazrat Qasim (AS) on 7th Muharram. After the central majlis on 8th Muharram, the traditional Shabeeh Zuljanah and the Alam of Hazrat Abbas (AS) were presented according to the long-standing custom observed at the imambargah.
Mourning organisations from Islamabad and Rawalpindi participated actively through matamdari and nauha khwani, adding to the solemn tone of the Muharram majalis. A notable feature of the 8th Muharram gathering was the installation of a 45-foot-tall Alam, which drew the attention of attendees and became a central part of the setting.
At the conclusion of each majlis, niaz and sabeel were distributed in the name of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), with arrangements made for all attendees without distinction. The ten-day observances attracted a large number of mourners from the twin cities, while several prominent personalities, including Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi and members of the National Assembly Abdul Qadir Patel, Agha Rafiullah, Abrar Shah, Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur and Syed Raza Bukhari, also attended along with senators, parliamentarians, media representatives and other guests.
Comprehensive security arrangements remained in place throughout the commemorations, and organisers as well as participants expressed appreciation for the Islamabad administration and Islamabad Police for ensuring a peaceful and secure environment during the majalis and processions.
