Mourning the martyrs of Karbala is a long-standing custom of the devotees of the Ahl-al-Bayt (family of the Prophet PBUH). This tradition is based on pure affection for the Prophet’s family. The centuries-old tradition is being carried forward by the devotees of Ahl-al-Bayt with their heart and soul.
Although, there isn’t a place in Pakistan where the bereavement ritual of Hazrat Hussain (RA) is not observed with religious reverence and solemnity. But Karachi has a unique status in this regard.
In Karachi, the ritual of mourning is observed with such splendor and enthusiasm that it attracts the devotees to come out in great number during Muharram to take part in ‘mourning ritual.’
Imamiya Forum Karachi is an organization that provides all kinds of facilities to the devotees of Ahl-al-Bayt who come from far and wide to participate in ‘mourning ritual.’
MM News asked Syed Muhammad Abbas of Imamiya Forum about the background of this tradition and how and when he had started it.
According to Syed Muhammad Abbas, the custom to serve the “Azadaran Hussain” (Mourners of Hussain RA) is called “Mukib”, and it has a long history in Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala.
“A large number of people with their families come to Karachi from faraway places to participate in the processions of the 8th, 9th and 10th of Muharram.” Said Syed Muhammad Abbas.
Syed Abbas added that these people while participating in the ‘mourning ritual’ during the three days of mourning, they are forced to spend their free time on sidewalks or any other ill-suited place without having access to basic facilities.
Following the “Mokib” tradition of Najaf Ashraf, he said that we have decided to establish “Mokib Imam Hussain (RA)” under Imamiya Forum Karachi to facilitate the pilgrims arriving from outside.
According to Syed Muhammad Abbas, the Imamiya Forum makes all the necessary arrangements for accommodation and food for all pilgrims. This practice has been going on for six years. Up to four hundred male and female pilgrims are offered food three times a day as well as a place to rest during the month of Muharram.
