Hussaini Federation - A Dedicated Organization

A Photograph of Hussain Day Function in Kanpur  

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Kanpur –Based Hussaini Federation has certainly emerged as a vibrant organization dedicated to propagation of ‘Karbala Revolution’ through interfaith understanding. It was evident at the 42^nd ‘Hussain Day’ function organized by the federation at Rajbi ground at Parade in Kanpur city on December 27, 2015.Not only a galaxy of religious scholars from different faiths assembled at the function but people from all walks of life also attended the twin sessions dedicated to the various aspects of Hussaini ideology. In their addresses, the scholars condemned perpetration of violence in the name of Islam by terrorist outfits and declared that more awareness about the sublime sacrifice of Imam Hussain and his teachings can pave way for the world peace. Prominent among those who addressed the sessions included Maulana Athar Abbas, Maulana Aijaz Hasnain, Hindu scholar Pramod Krishna, Dr. Naiyer Jalalpuri and many others. The distinguished guests also felicitated meritorious students and distributed sewing machine and blankets to down trodden. The federation also organized ‘Hussani Langar’ to serve free food to the attendees and brought out a souvenir containing messages and articles on Imam Hussain and Karbala from eminent personalities in Urdu, Hindi and English languages.The federation has also established a book bank for economically weak students of class 6th to 12th.Every year,it distributes sewing machines and thousands of blankets to destitute during its annual function. 

Former Union Minister Sri Prakash Jaiswal, A Hindu Sage & Clerics 
at Hussain Day Function

The federation traces its origin to 1974.It was founded by Marhoom Asghar Zaidi Sahib who had a shop in the parade market and traded in Ice. He roped in people from different faiths in the organization and began organizing ‘Hussain Day’ function annually. Asghar Sahib had visualized the organization to serve as a platform where people of all faiths could deliberate and discuss for developing a society based on the principles of justice, equity and harmony. As Imam Hussain had raised voice against oppression, falsehood and protected human values, he has traditionally been perceived as a savior of humanity in Indian sub-continent. Hence, the initiative of Asghar sahib evoked response from all quarters. The first ‘Hussain Day’ function attracted speakers and participants from different parts of the country.



Since then, the program has been growing in terms of stature and popularity. It is considered to one of the most awaited functions. In the past four decades, almost all the renowned scholars of Imami faith, Union Ministers, Top Bureaucrats, representatives of Uttar Pradesh government, leading industrialists and philanthropists have graced the function. The publication of the souvenir has also remained uninterrupted and considered to be a repository of Karbala literature. Apart from ‘Hussain Day’ function, the federation also extends help to programs organized by various Anjumans during Ayam-e-Aza, Rabi-Ul-Awwal, Rajab, Shaban and Ramzan. The federation also has an ambitious place to establish a community Hall and center for studies of comparative religions. For the past several years, the federation has been functioning with complete transparency under the watchful eyes of Mr.Kabir Zaidi, Mr. Israr Hussain Zaidi,Mr.Musheer Abdi, Mr.Qamar Abdi,Haji Munsif Ali Rizvi, and Mr. Raisul Hasan. Eminent Industrialist Padamshri Irshad Mirza Sahib has been generous to the activities of federation since its inception. May Allah bless all the members of the federation with strength to preserve Hussaini Ideology with the cooperation of all.(The article is based on the personal information and participation of the author in a number of Hussain Day functions. Photo Courtesy-Google Images & Website of Federation)