Kolkata: Ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has urged the Shia Muslim community to refrain from displaying the weapon in processions on 10th Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Some Shia Muslims in remembrance of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson –Hussian’s killing in the Battle of Karbala ( Iraq) in the 7th Century lash themselves with harmful weapons a practice were Shia Muslims self- flagellate, hurt themselves with blood all over their bodies, HT reported.
“We have reached out to leaders of the community to ensure Muharram is observed in a way that does not hurt sentiments of members of other communities. We urge Muslims to shun the practice of carrying swords during processions not only because the practice has no sanction in Islam but also because such communal forces as BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) are trying to foment trouble around this practice,” said TMC parliament member Idris Ali.
Since the BJP party and its affiliates have justified using weapons during Hindu festive in West Bengal citing the tradition Shia Muslims using swords, sticks during Muharram.
The Bharatiya Janata Party welcomed the TMC’s initiative. “We welcome the move. It marks a moral victory for us,” said BJP Bengal unit president Dilip Ghosh.
“Muharram is our mourning month. Please do not indulge in the display of sticks and swords during processions. These have nothing to do with Islam… Please do not do anything that strengthens the hands of the communal and divisive forces,” said Kolkata’s Nakhoda mosque imam Maulana Shafique Qasmi at an event Ali on Wednesday.
Maulana Imdadul Rashidi, an imam from Asansol, who brought peace in the region with his request, after his son was killed in a communal clash, said brandishing weapons during Muharram is un-Islamic.