Shahzada Qasim-Groom of Karbala

A Child  Awaiting the Start of Mehndi Procession

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Kaneezan-E-Syeda, a Kanpur- based Imami women’s organization dedicated to the cause of Azadari, took its Mehndi procession in memory of Hazrat Qasim. Hundreds of women marched on street in complete darkness with Mehndi and Alams amidst thunderous Matam(breast –beating) and chanting  “ Hai Hai Qasim Wa Waila , Wa Waila Sad Wa Waila”( Wail, Wail for Qasim ,Mourn Mourn for Qasim. The procession is probably the only of its kind in India, for nowhere else Mehndi procession is taken out by women on street Women mostly recall martyrdom of Hazrat Qasim and take out Mehndi in his memory mostly in their houses that are turned into Azakhana with the sighting of Muharram Moon. At times, such processions are taken by Imami ladies and girls in Imambaras also. Usually, such Mehndi processions are taken out by male devotees throughout Indian sub-continent. But women Azadar of Nawab Saheb Ka Hata in Kanpur broke the tradition three decades ago. Initially, their initiative was opposed on the ground that it would not be appropriate for women to do Matam on street. They however persisted and finally they braved the opposition, thanks to the composite culture of Hata. They convinced their men that they would take all precautions pertaining to their Hijab and Hata residents also agreed to keep the street lights off and their windows shut. Some of them also volunteered to ensure safe passage of Mehndi procession from Chota Phatak area to Bagh Wali Masjid-a distance of about 500 meters. Since then, procession is being taken out with peace and solemnity and its success reflects inter-faith understanding. Being aware of the significance of purdah in Islam, women try to cover the distance at brisk pace and do Matam after entering the Mosque where a majlis is usually addressed by leading Zakira Ahlebait Dr. Hena Zaheer. A professor of management, she has been addressing this Majlis for the past two decades and exhort women not to restrict themselves to rituals only but apply the lessons of Karbala in their day to day affairs.

 Hazrat Qasim was born on 7^th Shaban /September 19, 668 CE. He was the son of Imam Hasan from his wife Umm-e- Farwa, He was three years old when his father attained martyrdom. Like Aun and Muhammad, sons of Hazrat Zainab, Janab-e-Qasim also learnt fencing from his uncle Hazrat Abbas and cousin Hazrat Ali Akbar. He is considered as ‘Groom of Karbala’, for Imam Hussain married his daughter to fulfill his promise to his elder brother. As the political situation changed so drastically after the death of Caliph Muaavia, Imam had to leave Medina and halt at Karbala. When death looked a certainty, Imam hastily arranged the wedding of his daughter with Hazrat Qasim before the day of Ashura. On 10^th Muharram in Hijri year 61, Hazrat Qasim obtained permission to fight the enemies from Imam Hussain with much persuasion. Imam was reluctant due to young age of his nephew and any harm to him was beyond his imagination. After getting the permission, Hazrat Qasim entered the battle filed, fought courageously and killed many enemies. Being too young and  thirsty for three days, he became exhausted .A man came from behind and hit Shahzada Qasim with his sword. He fell from his horse and cried aloud, "O, dear uncle, peace be upon you". In response to his call, Imam Hussain tried to reach the spot where Hazrat Qasim was lying wounded. Yazidi soldiers strived to prevent him from reaching Hazrat Qasim. Imam thwarted their attempt and reached finally where Qasim had fallen. Imam found his body trampled to pieces by the horses of the soldiers. Imam picked up the pieces of the body in his ‘Aba’ and brought his martyred nephew back to his tents. His martyrdom is recalled during Ashra-e-Muharram on 7^th night and Mehndi processions are taken out in his memory wherever Azadari is performed by lovers of Ahle-Bait. In Kanpur, Kaneezan-E-Syeda had added a new dimension to Mehndi procession by marching on street in strict Hijab. (References available on request).