Hazrat Muslim's Shrine in Lucknow

Replica of Masid-E-Kufa In Lucknow 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

Before Baqreed, the martyrdom of Hazrat Muslim, the ambassador of Hazrat Imam Hussain,was recalled all over the world.He was martyred on the order of Ibn Ziyad in Kufa(Iraq).Hazrat Imam Hussain had sent Hazrat Muslim to Kufa to assess after receiving numerous letters from Kufians, inviting him to lead them.Upon reaching Kufa,Hazrat Muslim received overwhelmed response and over 18000 people took oath of allegiance.But when Ibn Ziyad was appointed Governor of Kufa and initiated his terror tactics,Kufians deserted Hazrat Muslim.He took shelter in a house but someone tipped off  and he was surrounded by enemy forces.He was thirsty, hungry and wounded but he fouhgt like a true Hashmi prince.To capture him, assailants dug out a pitch and Muslim fell prey to their deceitfulness.He was brought to Governor House where he was beheaded on the roof top on 8th Zil Hijj in 60 AH and his head was hung at the gate.Later on, his two sons were also imprisoned and martyred.Since then, Hazrat Muslim is regarded as first martyr of Karbala revolution and his shrine is inside Mosque of Kufa in Iraq.

His two shrines are also located in Lucknow in India but much is not know about them. The first and the oldest Rauza of Hazrat Muslim  is located at Masjid-e-Kufa adjacent to Kaizmain complex in Sahadat Ganj locality.The second shrine is situated at Rais Manzil in Hussainabad. 

Mosque at Rais Manzil

Lucknowites have also not forgotten the martyrdom of Hazrat Muslim's two young sons ,namely Muhammad and Ibrahim.    The shrine of  Muhammad and Ibrahim is at Karbala Munshi Fazl-e-Husain Khan Sahab in the Bazar Khala area.

Apart from shrine of Hazrat Muslim,Lucknow based Masjid -e-Kufa also has shrine of Hani Ibn Urwa who too was executed for supporting Imam Hussain's ambassador.All the shrines are ina good condition and attract devotees in large number,especially during Ayam-E-Aza.(References available on request and Photo Courtesy-Google Images)