EXCERPTS FROM SALSABIL NEWS OF AUGUST 1956
The Islamic New Year commences on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the lunar Islamic calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar. The occasion comes with very little celebration as compared to January 1st in the case of the Gregorian calendar. Except for Muslim dominant nations, it is a normal day across most secular countries.
Shia Muslims in diverse parts of the world, hold ceremonies every year in the month of Muharram to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions by the tyrant of his time – Yazid Bin Muawiya, in the battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram (known as Ashura) in the year 680 AD. Today the account of Karbala has become a powerful tool of fight for social justice in Muslim communities.
Below is an excerpt of reports received from different towns and cities of East Africa on ‘Azadari’ commemoration during the month of Muharram.
CONGO
Kasongo: For the last 10 years the annual practice of Muharram sermons were held as usual for 12 days. The history of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companion’s sorrowful massacre was freshened once again in the minds of people and the grieved ‘azadari’ was performed. Many travelled upcountry such as “Kindoo” and “Stanliville” and participated during these 12 days.
KENYA
Nairobi: Maulana from Mwanza was posted to give the 12 night’s lectures and other practices like Matam was even performed. On the day of Ashura, the procession went around outside the Imambargha whose photos were taken.
Mombasa: Every morning and afternoon lectures were held at Bustani for 12 days. Nyaz was also served at the Bustani Imambargha. Evening majlis were held at Chungani (graveyard). After dusk prayers lectures were held at Mehfile-e-Hussayn and thereafter night majlis were held every alternate day in Masjid and Bustani. The resident aalim (scholar) Maulana Alimohamed Ijlal Saheb presented informative lectures of Karbala’s Martyrdom together with useful Islamic examples.
This year’s lectures were helpful and ‘The Ithnaasheri Young men’s Union’ actively participated in the demonstration of replica, flags etc.
The night of Ashura began with Mulla Gulamhussein Bishon’s majlis at ‘Bustani’ later at 9:00 pm a “Silent Procession” where Quran, black flags, replica, cradle were included in the one and half hour public procession. Thousands gathered on the roads to watch it.
Thereafter Maulana recited the majlis at the Imambargha followed by matam, this lasted for 3/4 hour and thereafter nyaz was served.
The Day of Ashura was presented with grief-stricken activities. ‘Sabeel’ was distributed at three places namely “Pigat place”, “Kilindani” and at “Makupa”.
Union’s youth distributed soft drinks to the public (citizens).
UGANDA
Hoima: The Khoja Mulla Janab Muhammadali Meharali delivered very good “waez” (lectures). The youth participated enthusiastically in Matam, Nawha (poems) and other activities like demonstration of flags, replica etc.
TANZANIA
Bukoba: Maulana Akbar Rizwi from Dar es Salaam was posted to deliver sermons during the 12 days of Muharram. Many took advantage of his effective lectures and other at Brother Hasham Alarakhia and Haji Khimji’s residence. Nyaz was served day and night. Many people had gathered during the Ashura days’ procession.
Dodoma: On special invitation Master Mulla Mohammedabbas from Kigoma Ithnaasheri School came to deliver the sermons, he was recently posted there from Mahuva (India). His sermons were quite effective.
Day and night sermons together with afternoon nyaz were organized for 12 consecutive days, at the same time ladies’ lectures were given by Mulyani Fatmabai, the wife of Brother Abdulhusein Gulamhussein. “Sabeel” was also distributed as usual near the office of Haji Remtulla Pirbhai; all these were distributed by the young volunteers whose tireless services were appreciated by the Jamaat.
Lushoto: Eight days’ lectures and nyaz were held at every individuals place. On the afternoon of 8th all the people of Lushoto left for Tanga where they attended the sermons and returned after ‘Shame Ghariba’ (the evening of the oppressed).
Mwanza: This year Maulana Hamidulhasan Saheb from Lucknow’s ‘Madrasatul waezin’ was sent by the Supreme Council to deliver the 12 days sermons. As usual night sermons, evening lectures for ladies and afternoon meals were organized. Evening majlis were even held at the graveyard for gents.
The morning and afternoon lectures for ladies were held at Ladhabhai Meghji and Haji Abdallahbhai Muhammed’s residence respectively. On the night of Ashura the replica (tazia) were demonstrated as well during the procession.
Moshi: With all the sorrows and grief the 12 days were commemorated with effective sermons given by Maulana Ansarhusein Saheb as well as Haji Ahmed Haji Hussein Sharif Dewji, the attendance was quite good. The afternoon nyaz was served and on the “Ashura Day” Sabeel was distributed by the hardworking youth.
At Mehfil-e-Shahe Khurasan lectures as well as morning breakfast were served for 12 days. Sermons were also held at the graveyard every evening.
Ladies lectures were held in the morning at Mulyani Aminabai’s residence and evening effective sermons were given by Mulyani Aminabai at the Imambargha. Other activities like Matam and Shabih were even performed quite actively.
Tabora: On the invitation of the Jamaat Mulla Fatehali from Kampala came for the 12 days of Muharram. All people benefitted from his lectures and the afternoon nyaz was served for 12 days and from 8th -10th the night meals were even served. Evening sermons were organized at the graveyard (chungani) from 7th onwards. Evening lectures for ladies were held at Brother Gulamhussein Muhammad Chagani’s residence for all 10 days.
Wete, Pemba: On the Jamaat’s invitation Zanzibar’s well-known scholar Zakir Haji Muhammad Jaffer Shariff Dewji delivered lectures during the 12 nights of Muharram for which the Jamaat valuably appreciated. Sermons at Imambargha were also delivered at daytime and meals were served during these days.
Evening lectures were given by Haji Kermali Hasham Pira Walli at Chungani (graveyard) for gents whereas ladies lectures were carried out at the Imambargha.
People like Mulla Jafar Ladha Haji, Brother Roshanali M. Hameer, Brother Anverali Somji and Brother Fidahussein Alimohamed participated actively in reciting the poems (Marsiya).
For serving the nyaz (meals) and sabeel (soft drinks) Brother Jafar Ladha Haji, Haji Raza Dostmohamed Nathoo, Janab Haydarali M. Dahelvi and Pyaralibhai Haji Rashid contributed their valuable time.
Extracted from: Salsabil August, 1956
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION ARCHIVES SECTION
Date: 21st August 2020 (1st Muharram 1442 AH)