Martyrdom Anniversary Of Imam Ali Observed In Kashmir

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Thousands of Kashmiri Muslims thronged shrines and Imambargahs on Monday to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), one of the most revered icons of Islam.

Every year, on the 21st day of Ramazan, devout Muslims gather in mosques, shrines and Imambargah across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh mourning the martyrdom of first Imam and fourth Rightly Guided Caliph of Muslims.

It was on the 19th of Ramazan 40 AH (27 January AD 661), Imam Ali was struck on the head with a poison-coated sword by Ibn e Muljim during the morning prayers in Mosque of Kufa, Iraq. He passed away two days later.

The largest gathering is witnessed in Najaf al Ashraf, martyr Imam's final resting place in Southern Iraq. Millions of pilgrims from around the globe converged in Najaf to pay their respects to Imam Ali who was declared as Babul Ilm or gateway of knowledge by the Prophet of Islam (Pbuh)

In Kashmir major functions on the occasion were held at Dargah Hazratbal, Zadibal, Hassanabad Sarai Bala in Srinagar and Budgam town.

Read Also Imam Ali and His Wisdom for the Interreligious Life Birth Anniversary Of Imam Ali Celebrated Across Kashmir

Thousands of people joined the congregation prayers at Hazratbal Shrine where a holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was displayed after every prayer to the faithful.

Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Molvi Umar Farooq, paid rich tribute to Hazrat Ali (AS), on the occasion of his martyrdom anniversary, highlighting his unparalleled sacrifices, services for Islam and the Prophet (Pbuh), his commitment to justice, bravery, and exceptional knowledge. Mirwaiz said that Hazrat Ali (AS), who was born in the Holy Kaaba and raised in the arms of the Prophet (Pbuh), was among the first to embrace Islam and dedicated his entire life to the service of Islam and humanity.

Addressing a grand gathering at the Astana Aaliya Dastgeer Sahib, Sarai Bala, Lal Chowk, held before Asr prayers to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (AS), Mirwaiz said that the book Nahjul Balagha, which contains the insightful sermons of Hazrat Ali (AS) on deep wisdom, ethics, governance, and human nature, is an intellectual masterpiece from which scholars and thinkers across ages have benefited.

Emphasizing the need to firmly counter any attempts to disrupt Kashmir's traditional atmosphere of sectarian and communal harmony, Mirwaiz said that our mosques, educational institutions, khanqahs, and imambarahs should be used to promote unity and sectarian harmony, not to spread division and hatred.

“It is unfortunate, he said, that some pulpits and religious platforms are being misused to spread sectarian discord rather than to foster a deeper connection with Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) and to uphold the torch of unity. it is highly condemnable.” Mirwaiz said.

He stressed that if we are one Ummah-with one Allah, one Prophet, one Book, and one Qibla-then there is no room for sectarian hatred. Any cleric, preacher, or individual who uses the pulpit to incite division must be held accountable, as it is our religious and communal responsibility.

Peoples Conference leader and President Shia Association Imran Raza Ansari also addressed a gathering at Zadibal Imambargah.

Molvi Imran described Imam Ali as the sea of patience, tolerance and simplicity.

Later, a mourning procession was taken out with a symbolic coffin from Imam Bargah Zadibal which culminated at Baba Mazar. Mourners participating in the day-long majlis and procession were reaffirming their faith and devotion towards the martyred Imam.

In central Kashmir's Budgam district mourning congregations were held at Budgam by Anjuman-e-Sharie Shiayan led by Agha Syed Hassan al Musawi. Similarly, a mourning congregation was held at Bemina Imambargah led by Agha Syed Hadi Musawi which was attended by thousands of people.

The martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali was also observed in the twin districts of Ladakh's Leh and Kargil. Night long congregations were also held to mark Shab-e-Qadr which is observed in the last 5 odd nights of the holy month.

Yaum-e-Ali Procession Banned in Pattan Town

The district administration in Baramulla imposed strict restrictions in Mirgund, Mirchimar, and surrounding areas on Saturday to prevent the traditional Yaum-e-Ali procession on the 21st of Ramazan, citing security concerns. The ban, enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), was in effect from 8 PM on March 21 to 9 PM on March 22, prohibiting public gatherings, processions, and the use of loudspeakers.

Authorities blocked the gates of Imambargah Hazrat Abbas at Mirgund and sealed all entry points to the venue of Majlis. They justified the move by pointing to potential clashes between two factions of the Shia community in the area, referencing a recent escalation of tensions on March 4. Additionally, the restrictions followed the recent government ban on Jammu and Kashmir Ittihad

Muslimeen, an organization that traditionally led the annual procession. Some members of a 'rival' party had also vowed to stop the mourning procession from entering Mirchmar, further intensifying the tension.

Residents were urged to comply with the directives to maintain peace, with officials warning of strict action against any violations. However, the decision was met with outrage from the majority of Shia community, who viewed it as an infringement on their religious rights.

Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari who usually leads the procession and delivers sermon on the occasion was placed under house arrest

“This is a historic procession that predates the inception of Ittehadul Muslimeen. Our organization is 65 years old, but this tradition has existed for over a century. Some malicious elements opposed the procession, and instead of stopping them, the authorities chose to ban the historic majlis and procession,” he said.

Ansari further said that restrictions were imposed even a day before the scheduled event, preventing devotees from offering night prayers during the sacred Shab-e-Qadr nights.“This is deeply saddening and regrettable,” he added.

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