Shia Muslims in Leicester Highlight Values Inspired by Imam Hussein Movement
The Muharram procession, hosted by the Muslim Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri (MSKI) charity, returned to the city for the first time since 2019.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar when Shia Muslims observe rituals commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions in the 680 AD Battle of Karbala.
The procession in Leicester set off from Humberstone Gate, heading through East Gates, High Street before ending at Jubilee Square. Procession organizer, Ali Abbas Rajani, said Imam Hussein (AS) was someone whom people can “draw inspiration from.”
It was his refusal to show loyalty to Yazid I that led to his martyrdom. His stand as well as his advocacy for human rights are the reasons he is celebrated within the Shia community.
Ali Abbas said: “The procession is simply a reminder. Spreading his values and inspiring others to always give back to society.
“Whether it’s standing for human rights, standing against oppression, feeding the poor, caring for the homeless, loving and nurturing the orphan, helping the neighbor or simply spreading love and compassion. We believe that Hussein (AS) can be someone you can draw inspiration from.
"If everyone right now made even one small positive change in their lives or one small contribution to society because something from Hussein’s (AS) life struck a chord with them, then we would consider that a massive success. In every land and time, for every nation and race, Hussein’s (AS) story provides inspiration and encouragement for people: to become aware of oppression and to take steps, however small, to speak and act against it.”
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This was the 32nd year that the procession has been held in Leicester, however the act of remembrance has been going on for more than 13 centuries across the globe.
Source: leicestermercury.co.uk
