The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The holy Ashura will be observed across the country today (Thursday) as also in other Muslim countries to commemorate the Karbala tragedy in which Hazrat Imam Hossain ® embraced martyrdom along with his family and friends.

On the tenth of Muharram, the fateful day, Muslims vent remorse over the martyrdom of Imam Hossain, grandson of Great Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him), at the hands of renegades over 1300 years ago.

While on a journey through the desert with a caravan towards Kufa, Hazrat Imam Hossain, his family members and a number of his followers were ambushed by the forces of Yazid, son of Muslim ruler Muabia of that province.

They were deprived of food and water, and many of them were put to death. Eventually, Imam Hossain was brutally slaughtered. The bizarre incident happened at a place called Karbala in Iraq in the 61st year after Hijra.

According to Islamic history, this dispute was a result of a disagreement among Muslims on the question of succession after the demise of Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph.

The day is a public holiday. Various organizations will arrange programmes in observance of Ashura. Tazia procession by mourners is a main feature of the occasion.

President Professor Dr Iajudin Ahmed in his message said the main spirit of the day is to sacrifice life for 'truth' and 'justice'.

"The holy Ashura commemorating the incident of Karbala inspires us to raise our voice against injustice and repression," he said.

The President hoped that the day would strengthen the bond of love and affection and tolerance in all spheres of society.

He also prayed for salvation of the departed souls of the martyrs who laid down lives this day.