Dr.Hena Zaheer Addressing Women in Kanpur-India
Dr.Mazhar
Naqvi
The
‘execution’ of Sheikh Baqar al-Nimr and uncertainty about whereabouts of Sheikh
Ibrahim Zakzaky of Nigeria seems to have shocked and shaken Imami women of Kanpur
more than any other city in India. While male admirers of Nimr and Zakzaky have
been in the forefront in protest rallies held in Kashmir, Luck now, Mumbai and Hyderabad,
it is the women of Kanpur who are leading the campaign against Saudi Arabia and
Nigeria. After holding a vociferous demonstration on January 2, 2016 to condemn
Nimr’s killing, they again organized an assembly at Mehdi Hall in Patkapur to
decide how to sustain and make their campaign more effective to save the world
from fanatics.
Addressing
the gathering, prominent religious scholar Dr. Hena Zaheer demanded UN
intervention to stop the proposed execution of three pro-Nimr youngsters,
immediate release of Sheikh Zakzaky and persecution of Imamis in various parts
of the world. She described Saudi Royals as ‘Yazidees’ and said “Sheikh Nimr was
‘ assassinated’ for being the most vocal flag bearer of Hussaini ideology in oil-
rich kingdom”. She reminded the audience that Imam Hussain took the name of
Yazid once in his sermons after being asked to pay allegiance. In all his
sermons, he repeatedly clarified his goal was to save Islam and not grab power.
Imam was opposed to an oppressive regime not against any caliph.Being a
follower of Imam Hussain, Sheikh Baqar al-Nimr also raised voice against the
marginalization of his community members. He opposed tyranny, injustice and inequity
and preferred martyrdom to a disgraceful life.
Dr.
Zaheer said” Imam Hussain left an everlasting message at Karbala. Liquidation
of a tyrant is not solution. Rather, eradication of factors responsible for the
emergence of falsehood, corruption and oppression is essential for a society
based on human values, peace and justice. As such forces have been raising
their ugly heads since tragedy of Karbala; God keeps sending pious personalities
like Sheikh Nimr and Ibrahim Zakzaky as saviors of Hussaini Inquilab (revolution).She
endorsed the statement of Amnesty international that Saudi government was using
execution
to settle political scores. Dr. Zaheer also questioned the silence of majority
of Indian Muslims over the issue and asked Nigerian regime to explain as to why
was it against the growing number of Imamis when ‘Quran’ specifically states “ there is no compulsion in faith…..You be happy
with your religion and let us remain happy with ours”. She also exhorted
women to follow their Nigerian counterparts who have taken to streets for the
release of their leader. Dr. Zaheer also said” Sheikh’s execution was a
well-thought of strategy to win confidence of hardliners to keep the Saudi monarchy
intact. By killing Nimr, Riyadh has tried to keep the execution of Al Qaeda
members away from publicity. If only Al Qaeda members would have been executed,
Saudis stood the chance of losing the support of terrorist outfits floated by
them only”.
Others who also addressed included popular
orator Asma Zaidi Sahiba, Begum Anjum and Bano Rizvi. All of them described trial
of Nimr as highly politicized and grossly unfair because the international
standards for fair trial were grossly flouted. They predicted that if sustained
efforts were not initiated even Nigerian government may follow the suit as
there is no difference between the charges leveled against Nimr and Ibrahim Zakzaky.
The assembly unanimously decided to intensify their stir in days to come and stage
demonstration in front of Saudi Embassy if needed.(Article is based on the inputs
forwarded by the Chief organizer Begum Anjum-Photo courtesy-Google Images)
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