Non-violence is the way of Islam, say Muslims

 Tributes paid to Mahatma Gandhi

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

It was a message of peace and love as 5,000 Muslims taking part in a procession to mourn the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad who was killed in the 7th century battle of Karbala in Iraq, paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

As bare-chested children and men beat their blood spattered chest with chains and hands to mourn the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, a loudspeaker blared the message of peace and hailed Mahatma Gandhi, former president Rajendra Prasad and Sarojini Naidu for following the path of Imam Hussein.

Islam has been misinterpreted by certain vested interests who preach hatred and terrorism, said Abbas, one of the organizers who was making announcements as the processionists followed the vehicle armed with flags.

Women and bystanders flocked either sides of the road to catch the glimpse of the procession, which was monitored by police to ensure the traffic was regulated and there were no mischief mongers.

“Islam was for non-violence but some vested interests have mis-interpreted it. Even Mahatma Gandhi hailed Imam Hussain and believed in his teachings,” said Abbas who was leading the procession seated in a green van and spreading the message through loudspeaker.

The procession which started from Royapettah culminated in Thousand Lights mosque at the Anna Salai Road which is the center for Shias all over Tamil Nadu.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. On the first day of Muharram, the Islamic New Year is observed by Muslims. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year. Hence it is a little different from the Gregorian calender that is used in the western nations. When compared with the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar, the lunar month of Muharram shifts from year to year.

It was during the month of Muharram in 680 AD that soldiers of the ruling caliph Yazid surrounded Hussain, his family and some of his followers at Karbala. In the days that followed, they were denied food and water and many of them were systematically killed in the clash that lasted till the 10th day of the month.