Srinagar June 21 (KNS): In the lead-up to the sacred month of Muharram, the All Jammu & Kashmir Shia Association (AJKSA) today convened a significant district-level meeting for Srinagar at Darul Jawad, Qamarwari. The meeting was presided over by AJKSA President Imran Reza Ansari and attended by General Secretary Abid Ansari, District President Srinagar Haji Firdaus Mirza, District Secretary Yaseen Mustafa, and Youth Coordinator Arshid Sultan, alongside selected representatives from all mohallas of Srinagar.
The feedback collected from the ongoing mohalla-level Muharram meetings over the last three weeks was presented to the President and General Secretary. After careful deliberation and community inputs, several decisions were taken to ensure this year’s Ashura observance remains spiritually meaningful, peaceful, and disciplined—true to the message and sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S.).
Speaking at the gathering, Imran Ansari said, “Muharram is not just a month of mourning, it is a month of awakening our conscience. The day of Ashura reminds us of the timeless sacrifice of Imam Hussain (A.S.), who gave everything but refused to bow before tyranny. We must ensure that our azadari reflects that same discipline, purpose, and purity of intent.” He added that this is not a time for politics or public show; this is the time for remembrance, reflection, and unity under the banner of Imam Hussain (A.S.).
One of the key decisions made was regarding the 10th of Muharram: Ashura Faka-Shikni (abstinence from food) will be strictly observed along the Zuljanah Sharief procession route till 2 PM. Only water will be allowed to be served at sabeelgahs. Volunteers from respective localities will be tasked with ensuring this spiritual practice is upheld. Molvi Imran emphasized that Imam Hussain (A.S.) gave his last drop of water to others,our sabeel should reflect that ethos of sacrifice, not indulgence.
Further, it was decided that blood donation camps will operate within their medical capacities on a first-come-first-serve basis. Additional donors will be registered as live donors, whose information will be shared with hospitals in case of emergencies.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Regarding procession decorum, Imran announced, “Women will not be permitted to sit on ground floors, shopfronts, or roam within the route during the Zuljanah procession. Identified points for Ziyarat of Zuljanah Sharief by women will be notified separately once final procession approvals are received from the administration.”
On Monday, a Google form will be released for Dairahs (mourning groups) to register within two days. Based on this, an official numbering will be issued for Ashura. Imran clarified that each Dairah will be allowed only 15 minutes of stay inside Imam Bargah Zadibal, to ensure timely culmination of the Juloos-e-Aza and commencement of Sham-e-Ghareeban.
The volunteer teams will be strictly responsible for ensuring discipline across all aspects—sabeelgah conduct, prevention of ground-floor crowding by women, and timely flow of the procession. Molvi Imran reminded, “Imam Hussain’s army was small but unmatched in discipline. Let our Juloos reflect the same order, humility, and purpose.”
A separate team has also been designated to oversee arrangements inside Imam Bargah Zadibal. A dedicated number will be issued soon for redressal of any immediate concerns or lapses at the Bargah during the Ashura events.
The General Secretary Abid Ansari closed the meeting by urging all azadaars to maintain close coordination, follow government advisories, and ensure the sanctity and safety of the procession is upheld at every stage. He emphasized that this collective effort is for Imam Hussain (A.S.) and should rise above sectarian or political lines.
Concluding the meeting, Molvi Imran Ansari reiterated, “This is Imam Hussain’s day, not a platform for anything else. Let our only aim be to honour his memory and message. I am open to all suggestions that help bring more discipline and respect to our azadari.”
The All J&K Shia Association calls on the entire Shia community to participate with devotion, self-restraint, and in the spirit of unity and sacrifice that defines Karbala. (KNS)