'Safar-E-Imam Hussain' (28 Rajab)in Kanpur

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The procession started by Anjuman Raza-E-Islam by the end of 20^th century in Kanpur to mark the departure of Hazrat Imam Hussain from Medina on 28^th Rajab has grown into one of the largely attended programs. People from not all over Kanpur but also from neighboring areas now ensure their participation in the procession. This year too procession attracted large number of devotees and Sabeels were erected for distribution of Sherbat and Tea for them. Like yesteryears, a Majlis-e-Aza was organized before emergence of ‘Alam’(standard) from Imambargah Ale-Fatima in Chota Pathak area of Patkapur. Eminent Zakir Janab Meesam Zaidi addressed the Masjlid held at Mehdi Hall located a few meters from Imambargah. In his address, Maulana recalled how Imam was forced to leave Medina and how painful was his departure from a city that he adored most. He said “ a few hours before his departure, he visited the tombs of his Grandfather, the Holy Prophet , his mother, Bibi Fatima & his brother Imam Hassan. While he was returning, he met notorious Marwan who told him: "I want to give you some advice. I think it is best for your worldly life as well as your Hereafter that you accept to give allegiance to Yazid. Do not put yourself and your relatives into trouble."

 "Inna Lillahe wa Inna Ilaihe Raje'oon, And bid farewell to Islam?" was the reply of Imam. Through his response, Imam conveyed his mission that his support to Yazid’s corrupt Government will wipe out Islam without any trace. Opposition to Yazid may prove to be costly, but one must not be apprehensive of oppressor as  everything comes from God and returns unto Him."Maulana recited the heart melting masaib of Janab-E-Sughra and tragic events of Karbala. Immediately aftwer Majlis, Anjuman took out Alam procession and recited a Nauha. Then, Anjuman-Sipahe Mehdi did Nauhakhwani.Anjuman-Raza-E-Hussain from Lucknow also recited salams and Nauhas in its typical style and earned lot of applause from devotees.’Fariyad hai Fariyad hai’ nauha earned much appreciation.The procession ended at Baaagh Wali Masjid in the wee hours. Notable among those who played key role in organizing the program included Asad Mukhtar,Shamim Abbas, Safdar Mukhtar,Zafar Abbas,Parvez,Feroze, Lucky, Dille, Muzaffar raza, Bablu, Nawab Mumtaz Hussain, Wasi,Faiz and Shanu.

It is worth mentioning here that no procession was taken out in Kanpur on 28^th Rajab even though Azadari traces its origin to 18^th century. Mostly women used to perform Matam at their homes to commemorate Safar of Imam Hussain from Media to Karbala. After formation of Anjuman in 1992,the office-bearers decided to remove the shortcoming and began organizing procession on 28^th rajab. Initially, procession used to commence from Baagh Wali Masjid and terminate at Azakhana Shamim Abbas. After construction of Imambargah and Mehdi Hall the route was reversed on the demand of locals.


(Route of Imam Hussain from Medina to Karbala. References available on request.Photo Courtesy Google Images )