Azadari in Japan & Its History

Interior View of Markaz Muhammad Aalay Muhammad Imambara 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Azadari is slowly but surely growing in Japan. The island nation famous for imperial palaces, neon skyscrapers, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples now also have well-maintained Imambaras. Azadari began in Japan on a humble note. Some admirers of Ahle-Bait (Progeny of Prophet Muhammad) established Muharram ceremonies during their posting in Japan in 1960.As there was neither any specific place to observe Muharram nor any Zakir available, these admirers used to assemble in a house and listen to audio-tapes of the majalis held in other parts of the world.   

A Pakistani business man Syed Ashiq Ali Bukhari in 1970s initiated a move to give an organized shape to Azadari in Japan. He hosted a Majlis-e-Aza at Mr. Nazim Zaidi’s residence during ‘Ashra-e-Muharram’. Initially, majalis were organized between 7^th and 12^th Muharram but arrival of Iranian and Pakistani workers by the end of 70s resulted in full-scale observance of Azadari from Chand Raat (Sighting of Muharram Moon).It is no longer restricted to houses or a family affair now. Rather, it is performed in Imambaras that has been erected by Imamis in the past three decades. The nature of Majalis-e-Aza has also changed. Instead of using Audio and video tapes, Japanese Imamis now retain Zakir-e-Ahle Bait(Orators) to listen to the praise and persecution of Ahle-Bait-e-Athar.

Chehlum Procession-2015 

Markaz Muhammad Allay Muhammad is the first, largest and most famous Imambara of Japan. It becomes epicenter of all rituals and activities undertaken during Ayam-e-Aza. (Two Months and Eight Days period of mourning for martyrs of Karbala).Located in Ibaraki Ken Joso Shis Baba, the Imambara also has richly embroidered ‘Patkas’(relics)and Panjas(Palm shaped metal crest fixed atop Patkas and Alams(standard).After their  installation on Chand Raat, these relics  give a divine look to the  interior of Imambara. Markaz observes both Ashura and Chehlum with religious fervor. Another popular Imambargah of Japan is Babul Ilm in Misato. On Yaum-e-Ashura- 2015,Imamis from India, Pakistan, Iran, Canada and several other countries converged at Imambargah to mourn the martyrs of Karbala in large number.Japanese Imami cleric Ibrahim Sadada addressed the Majlis.Pakistani Nauha Khwan Syed Sajid Jafri also recited lamentation songs while a scholar from Canada Janab Zee Hashm also discussed the relevance of Karbala in contemporary world. 

Two more organizations are also contributing significantly to promote Azadari and teaching of true Islam. Both are located in Tokyo and known as ‘HL HL Bait Islamic Foundation’ and ‘Al Mustafa International University’- Japan. Upon a query, Mr. Nasir Nakagawa of popular website urdunetjpn revealed the names of Janab Safdar Hussain And Iqbal Kimani as the most active contributor to the propagation and performance of Azadari in Japan. He also informed the blogger that processions of Muharram and Chehlum are allowed around Imambaras in Tokyo. 

References and Photo courtesy:1-Website of Markaz Muhammad Aalay Muhammad  

2-www.urdunetjpn.com 

3-Information mailed by Mr.Nasir Nakagawa