Unfortunately we as a nation are far behind because we are engrossed in these rituals and will always remain in the same mind set.

What this fire-thrower is portraying during procession? Were these fire-throwers in the times of Hazrat Imam Hussain in the field of war?

I am quite confused of the rituals that take place during the holy month of Muharram. I see Muslims on one side celebrate it and on the other see Muslims mourning for the day when the beloved nephew of our Holy Prophet was martyred. Through out all these rituals I can

(In response to haqitquat karwa hai) We will remain as we are because of our intolerance as shown by your comment. Commemorating or celebrating doesn't leave us in our state. Intolerance does. Rituals are part of any religion in many forms, and tolerance will help us move together. Any way, my most memorable event is just before dawn on ashura in androon-lahore when the zanjir matam starts after azaan.

My most memorable procession view was MA Jinnah road back in early 60s when I was very young. My father was in Civil Hospital, Karachi. The procession of 10th was coming, so I was taken near the hospital boundary to see it. The sights, sounds, and the sounds of drums in the back was overwhelming. The other memories are also the beautiful decorations all along the paths near Numaish and Nazimabad.

Agreed with Abdullah. IMO this misrepresents sanctity of Moharram. @Confused You don't need to get confused on petty, Rituals like these have been practiced since ages. Everybody has his own way to celebrate or commemorate but at the end of the day they worship the same God. Look at the positive side of religion to avoid confusion.

Flames of passion ... !!! Please avoid such topics. let's not discuss the things that divide us example : comments by haqitquat. Instead, you should write something to unite us with a soft message of respect and tolerance. This is what we need. Kind regards Goga Nalaik

My memorable experience is this pic. I am still trying to figure out what this "fire thrower" doing in a commemoration gathering.

The fire throwing man seems to be a street magician. What this photo has to do with the sanctity of Moharram AL Haram. Besides the happening at Karbala where the dearest dear Nawasa e Rasool (RA) gave the greatest sacrifice of self and members of his family, Moharram has much other significance for us to remember. Fire stunt, drumming, re creating replicas etc have no place in Islam. I pray to ALLAH (SWT) to kindly enlighten our mind and heart to make us understand Islam in the right context and act upon it so as to qualify for the blessings and forgiveness of our Creator the One and only ALLAH (SWT). AH

I have attended a lot of Tazia processions. Some of the Tazias are quite beautifully built and are aesthetically pleasing. But I love the poetry(Marsia) in the Muharram most. It's quite different from the usual poetry as the emotions are of quite spiritual kind.

In terms of deepest sagacity, it is time for the entire Pakistani nation to arrange some posture of tolerance because every religion or its concerned sect has a right to practice its rituals in their due time for the reason that acceptance of every religion shall make us perfect democracy & powerful republic.

The picture shown here is not of procession in Muharram. This side shows what the enemies of Imam Hussain portrayed who were also Muslims but followers of Yazeed ibne Muawia. We Shia mourn muharram to show our feelings towards Imam Hussain and the way he sacrificed his siblings in order to save Islam. I truly believe that none of us in today

Sectarianism is a sad aspect of our religion Islam and bringing up this topic for people to leave comments was not the best idea. I request the authorities to remove this photograph and lets not discuss it further. It seems as if we have'nt moved an inch ahead with time. Amna Kausar

This misrepresents sanctity of Moharram. I am very surprise why fire-thrower is portraying during procession? Salman Ab

I am completely agree with the comments of Tanzeel and Abdulah Hussain. My biggest problem is that how I will explain the people in Europe who will ask me about this picture and obvious combination of a street magician and a well pure Shahad-e-Imam Hussain.

Everyone has a right to express himself but not at the expense of hurting others. Shias of Pakistan would be shell shocked to see how shias in other countries commemorate Muharram. This is just to say that Tazia procession with magicians and drums should not be taken as an offence but another way of commemorating Imam Husian A.S.

Misrepresented picture of Muharam. Please remove this picture. Muharram is not the name of festivals and other things.

I see this picture, and the few comments below, and I think: Maybe the topic is justified after all - 'flames of passion' - not the ones in the picture, but the ones posting this picture open to public commenting might kindle. A very immature move. I totally condemn.

Sir, By publishing this, I am sorry to say, you are dividing the people of Pakistan.

I think it is a Shia tazia procession. And this is actually a nice photograph which tells you what is happening out there without commenting on religious falsehood and rightness, or whatever one wishes to suggest. Someone said that only Shia Muslims have feelings for Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). Must I say that you are wrong. Sunnis have same feelings but we just don't come out on roads on 10th Moharram and neither do we perform Ma'tam.

I totally disagree with removal of this picture. I don

On one hand, although I belong to a Shia family myself, I personally do not completely approve of such form of expression. On the other hand, I think this form of expression is a very significant part of Shia culture and history. Hence, it is important to respect it as long as it doesn't have any form of negative externalities. Rituals like these exist in every religion and they die their own death when people start to think more freely. If people look at religion in general rather than pick up Shia rituals, they will realize that religion is full of rituals like these.

I disagree with the dramatic expression that is often used in Muharram, characterized by this fire-guy. Why should this picture be removed? Even if it is dividing the people, this picture is reality. Removing the picture will not unite the people, understanding the idea of tolerance will. Unfortunately, there is equal intolerance in both sides of the story here (Shia and non-Shia Muslims).

Sir Such photographs should not be open to comments. After all, it is a religious procession and I think no one should have a right to comment on any one's religion. But since Muslim society is already divided in Sunni and Shia sects, there is all the more reason to avoid such a situation.

Salaam: Let me make one thing clear that this is not a Shia or Fiqh-e-Jafria procession. Infact we Shia Commemorate the Shahadat of Imam Hussain a.s. by mourning on this day. The people who take out this procession think that since it was a victory of Islam, they celebrate it.

Mr. Hamza, I think you are totally wrong. This does not seem to be a Shia tazia. I don't think the above picture was properly verified before posting and neither is properly explained.

@ Happy new Islamic Year to all and give Thanks to Allah (SWT) for all the blessings. The mourning during muharam is neither proved by the generous sunnah of sahaba (RA) and Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).So please stop making new additions to the faith of the believers.

Recently I happened to ask lot of people what 10th Muharrum really means in Islam and what Quran says about it. Amazingly the answer seems to be "it is to remember Hazrat Ali R.H. sons". I think we should try our best to understand and implement Quran and pray Allah to guide us.

Well pictures like these give a very confusing, not to mention a misleading picture about all Shia

Finally, Meherzaidi answered the question asked by the blogger. All the guests have gone on a tangent by not answering the question. People , please don't get emotional - this small picture is only a glimpse of what's actually happening during that time. Why take offence? It's happening on the streets. The title? please, be tolerant and try to think of Muharram as a celebration for all the muslims. Sunnis do have great respect for the Hazrat Imam Hussan and Hussein. I think of Muharram as a bonding between Sunnis and Shias where every Muslim feels deep emotions - Please be open minded and do Pakistan a favour everyone - Celebrate without any violence.

This is not a Shia Tazia, its a Sunni tazia, which is taken by moderate Sunnis who respect Imam Hussain in their own manner before Shia take their processions in 10 mohurram's morning.

I have never seen drums in Karachi processions. I surely have never seen fire throwers ever in any shia procession. I guess the need to showoff by humans sometimes puts them in front of most unlikely audience.

During earlier years of my life I happened to watch a tazia procession. Blood letting & ritual of self flagellation was beyond me. And now a picture of 'flame thrower", more in line with a carnival atmosphere than a mournful occasion. Why can't we just stay home or in a immambargha and privately mourn the tragedy of Karbala?

Indeed this is the month of sadness, we should respect the feelings of all, and follow the teachings of Quran and Sunnah on tolerance. I think such debates/topics should be avoided especially under current situation of our country, we have to show our strength, we have to be united.

I agree with GSXR that this image is a bit misleading. The main aspect of moharram procession is Protest in mourn (as is done by shia muslims throughout the world)

I want to clarify this controversial picture of Muharram Tazia. Sir it is not the photo contest to enjoy pictures. It is Muharram to mourning for the day of "Shadat" of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S). It is not the day of enjoyment, doing circus tricks on road during procession. I strongly condemn about this picture. It is not the true representation of "Shia Believes" and about mourning during Muharram Days. I request "Dawn" to remove this controversial picture and close this topic. I will be very thankful to Dawn for this kind and urgent action. In these days when people are killing each other in the name of religion and sect, please do not do anything that create misconception among us. I again request to remove this topic from there site. Thanks.

The picture shown here is not the Shia procession. Shia Muslims don't celebrate Muharram as shown in the picture. They mourn the shahadat of Imam Hussain with all his family members and companions. They want to show their solidarity with Imam Hussain (nephew of Prophet Muhammad SAW) who stood against the tyrant and un-Islamic system of Yazid.

This is a Sunni Muslim procession. It is a tradition in that segment of Muslim to rejoice Moharram. I used to live in Bahadurabad in Karachi which is close to Dohraji, a memon neighborhood in Karachi. I have seen this before and once I asked some teenagers who were participating in this "tazia". They said that this was a "happy occasion" but did not know for what. I don't believe that it has anything to do with Islam as no Muslim can be happy at what happened to the grandchild of our Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Intolerant as we are, any religion's sole purpose in any part of the world is to make Peace. Well that

I agree with Tanzeel, there is a simple principle of tolerance i.e to be consistent with respect for human rights, the practice of tolerance does not mean toleration of social injustice or the abandonment or weakening of one's convictions. It means that one is free to adhere to one's own convictions and accepts that others adhere to theirs. It means accepting the fact that human beings, naturally diverse in their appearance, situation, speech, behavior and values, have the right to live in peace and to be as they are. It also means that one's views are not to be imposed on others.

Mustafa Jafferi says; "I strongly condemn this act. This is not in accordance to our teachings. May Allah give us the strength and courage to realize that we

A beautiful picture that should be viewed and enjoyed on its own merit rather than be assigned motives, objections and other shallow comments. Thank you for sharing it Dawn.

Salam to all fellow brothers and sisters. This picture has no meaning and should be removed from the page, or if you really want it to be there give an historical back ground and educate people. Empty Pictures can let people who don't know much go we creative with there imagination. So to make it a productive information Picture/article do add explanation to it and educate masses. Regards

This is the only religion where new year starts not by celebrating but with knives and fires and abuse.

Assalam-o-alaikum, I have been an ardent fan and admirer of Dawn Newspaper's high journalistic standards, for a long time now. So witnessing this photo being put up as a Muharram Tazia, brought a pretty bitter taste to my mouth, let aside the astonishment of witnessing such a blatant error of representation. This is not a Muharram Procession or Tazia, as labeled so by some of the fellow commentators. Neither would you expect such appalling and immature acts to be performed by any person belonging to the Shia Maslak, mourning the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A.S) and the rest of the male progeny of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihe wa A'ale hi wasallam). This picture shows a rare and dying practice, performed by some non-Shia persons, in Karachi. I unfortunately have witnessed one, 5 years ago.

We respect each other beliefs and understandings, but these kinds of act doesn't pertain to what Islamic teachings are. In today's time, the best we may do is to think that these thing must not happen or against over religion.

I don

We all know the true spirit of Muharram and also realize the fact that in order to achieve Sirat-e-Mustaqim we need to honour those who sacrificed their lives to save it in an era when right and wrong doing did not mean much different to the masses. To me...this fire thrower is a symbolic and disappointing element that has always existed in our society that aims to distract people's focus away from true prioirities. May we all as a society beware of such elements and defeat them through our Unity.

As already discussed above lot of time, during Muharram 2 types of processions are taken out, one by Shia

My humble request to my brothers is to avoid such comments which hurt each other. Also I believe we should not obstruct the highways during these processions.

Keep up the good work Faysal Mujeeb.

Is this a Muharram procession or some kind of circus. Where are our intelectuals.

Salam, These procession are against the worst criminal activity of Yazid Ibn Mawiah Iban Abu Sufyan. As far as fire thrower is concerned he can be anyone as procession is not only attended by Shia Muslims but Sunnis, Hindus, Sikh etc. All these people from different religion celebrate accordance with there own way therefore it is not only tagged for Shia people.

@ Altaf, Islam doesn't restrict sadness either. Being sad is something natural which we can't get rid of. Let's be open minded and give room to the people who want to mourn in the demise of Shahadas and I believe Prophet's Islam also teach us the lesson of tolerance. Live and let live.

I have never seen drums and music and fire-throwers or other performers in Shia procession. Music and drums are commonly seen in Sunni Muhurrum processions in Karachi. It is very hard to believe that Sunnis have the same love for imam Hussain. Sunni countries with no Shia

The Tazia's are always taken out by Sunni's and Shia's. It

Salam Alaikum to all, Islam is peace and tolerance for all. We should all unite under the banner of Islam and take the example from Imam Hussain (AS) and fight for justice and against all forms of tyranny. Being a Shia myself, I must say that some of the rituals have no place in Islam and should be removed. We should be only doing that what was the Sunnat of our great Rasool (SAWW) and his twelve Imams. Follow Islam as Allah (SWT) wants us to follow. Our Rasool (SAWW) did not curse anybody neither did he use force against anybody (except in war and that too when attacked). I have many Sunni friends and we have prayed in all Masajids. Let us work together to make this country great. Wassalam

Everyone has the right to practice their religious beliefs however they like and not be judged. So if a guy thinks that by throwing a flame he would show is devotion let it be. Start to tolerate people for who they are not for how you want them to be. I was born on 10th Muharram the day of Imam Hussain's shahadad and I am a Sunni but I dearly respect Prophet Muhammad's (P.B.U.H) dearest nephew and I am honored to be born on this day. People pay attention to what the scarifies was for not how people would remember it.

Let

As a Shia, I think this picture as nothing to do with my concept of Islam. It

Let the Shia

First of all this Tazia and fire and drums that happen in sindh is not a shia tradition. It is an Indian tradition that came from India after partition. Also the public involved in this is entirely Sunni and Urdu speaking. Blowing fires and drums is not according to Islam but the Tazia means a lot to Islam. It is a resemblance to the tomb of Imam Hussain A.S. It makes us remember his sacrifice for the cause of Islam and human values.

I think this is not real picture because I don't see like this in my whole life. We Muslims have courage to accept each other, this picture raised to divide us.

This is a Sunni procession. 1. Tazia processions are taken out by Sunni Muslims of Kharadar/Mithadar. 2. Shia

Correct me if I am wrong. I thought Tazia

I honor religious rituals of Shia. Never attended any ritual but I think such rituals should avoid glamorous touch (as in this picture). Infact Imam Hussain has provided an example to stand for what is right. Thanks

I don't remember the right words but its something like that Sayings by Allah: "The dead one are no longer part of your world, there realation is with Allah now, so don't talk bad about the dead ones"

This is how the Sunni community observe muharram in Karachi.

Not even a single day in Islam requires us to be sad. I don't understand the concept of this Tazia. Let us follow the Islam our Prophet followed.

This kind of picture brings more division in the Muslim society. If Shia

People, why does it matter whether this is the correct or incorrect interpretation of the commemoration of the month of Muharram!? Each and every Muslim individual has the right to practicing his/her religion in the way and form he/she deems fit! So if this man feels that by blowing fire he justifies his feelings of commemorating the Shohada-e-Karbala then have the valiance of tolerance! WHY has it become a necessity for each one of you to judge another's perspective? Yes, by all means, state your opinion and move along- don't declare someone else's religious depiction "wrong". Hope this criticism of narrow mindedness is accepted with broad-mindedness!

I am completely disapproved of this. By initial looks I was tempted to think its some Hindu ritual, and this mere thinking make me feel uncomfortable. Off course Shia sect should practice rituals in a way they want and I completely respect it, but the image does not show the true essence of the event, nor it show lesson of sacrifice which is one of key take away of the event.

This is one of the way to express feelings. We (Pakistanis) are the people who can divide on anything with out investigating the real cause. Still people has right to express their feelings.

Being from Saddar I have seen a lot of Tazia processions infact there is a Tazia taken out from a lane where I used to live. All I know about this Holy Day for Muslims is that it is also Celebrated/Condoled by Hindu Community from Lines Area and different locations around Saddar I have also seen many of them doing the Matam which normally is the custom of Shia Community. I still haven't figured it out yet?

I strongly condemn this act. This is not in accordance to our teachings. May Allah give us the strength and courage to realize that we're on the wrong path.

These days are for crying, We have to think what yazeed had done.

Cannot understand this, unbelievable. Seems to be some kind of act. I don

The picture isn

Reading almost all the comments, I am sure none is objecting on commemorating Muharram but only on the specific image used. Which I am sure is pretty dramatized and could be replaced with something more meaningful, deep and above all spiritual. But after all I have yet to come across something really thought-provoking or even photographically superb on Dawn Blog.

It is not an offence to our Shia brothers, but they exaggerate the story of Kerbala.

I humbly request from Dawn Editor to please remove this picture. It does not represent any thing related to Muharram.

I believe we should learn to respect every ones ideology, the picture depicts procession to commemorate Imam's martyrdom, for Shia

It

The Tazia Procession is remembrance of memories of our beloved imam Hussain(A.S) but what's the purpose of showing fire-thrower here.? We are mourning not celebrating any festival.

Even if it is not a Shia procession, I do not think it matters. What point are people here trying to make? "Oh this picture is completely crazy because a man is blowing circus fire from his mouth. Zanjeer matam and wasting lots of blood? Is that not crazy. That is fine."

Although the picture depicts the Sunni tazia, which is not inline with the spirit and manner shia

There are two things you must never discuss in public (Religion and Politics). How come a paper as good as dawn can have such conflicting issues. We all know that Muharram is a very sensitive matter in our country where people are completely emotional about their religion. What we are doing in Muharram? We are condoling the martyrdom of Imam e Mazlum to Hazrat Sayyeda (S.A.). We all know how Holy Prophet used to love his daughter. these are the days of mourning. We do not want anything from anyone. Just leave us alone and allow us to perform our religious duties which so dearly love.

Long ago, I saw Tazia & Muharram procession in Lahore. Blood letting & self flagellation especially by young boys was enough for me. Subjecting one's body to self inflicted wounds in public only a zealot can endure. I try to mourn tragedies in private. Picture of 'flame thrower' perhaps is another form of emotional display. Only Shia

First of all we must have to respect humanity. I only know the Islam when our prophet Muhammad (PBUH) alive. I have a question to my other brothers. Could you please become realistic over how badly some of our brother hurt their body. Please respect Human. Message to all Pakistani respect, tolerance.

This is how the Sunni community observe muharram in Karachi.

A picture in very bad taste.

I got to bare it since I live at MA Jinnah Road where I will be imprisoned in my own house won't be allowed to cross the roads during day time protection barriers and in nights with big drums and decorative monuments. It was fascinating now irritating. I won't call anything being illiterate or literate it's just everyone has their trades and faith.

Wow doesn't take much to set people off. It's an IMAGE of something in our society get a grip people. Dawn has not posted anything besides a caption and the image, putting things in perspective anyone?

AOA, I don

The blogger who post this picture trying to relate this picture with the "Shia Muharram Tazia" and it is really not the case, this "Tazia" procession belongs to the Sunni, it represents how they "celebrate" Muharram. So Dawn must take action against it. This site is visited by thousands of people around world. I hope most of the people understand my point. Thanks.

By the way, great image; it brings the socio-religious dimension in perspective with respect to the uneducated masses. W/A

@ Naveed Haider et al I don't understand why you guys are becoming so insecure by a mere pic that has nothing with religion and FYI this is not DAWN NEWS paper but a blog site maintained by DAWN. We need to understand difference between a blog and news site. Blogger has posted a picture based on what he saw on Karachi's street and opened up the discussion. He has not designed it by himself.

Salman, The blogger has just taken a pic of an unusual activity taking place in procession. Neither he has forcefully asked fire-thrower to stand there nor he knows if these people belong to Sunni sect. He has just taken a pic of an undergoing activity. You need not to care about rest of the world, they amaze to see "Maatam" as well which is an unsual activity. Would you stop people doing "Maatam" just because of "rest of the world" ?

Matam is indeed an unusual activity for those who don't know about Shia sect. Mainly Non Muslims or people belong to West! Now why this picture is posted. I reiterate that blogger has not forcefully asked fire thrower to stand there. To you the fire thrower seems to be a circus-joker but who knows it

If we want to be neutral, modern and conceptual people, then why to become defenders of conflictive processions. Muslims do not mourn Shaheeds. Islam is the religion of peace and perpetual harmony proven for all human beings of the world.

Tanzeel, I just want to clear my point of view, that

@ Adnan Khan, You should not be quoting Quran if you have no idea about the verse and its meaning. @ Tanzeel, Maatam is not an unusual activity, it is human psychology to mourn in case of great loss. May we understood the sacrifices given by the Imam Hussain Ameen Ali

If the fire thrower's act is a display of emotion, then bring in the circus clown, they are quite amusing. It is the tragedy of Karbala we are mourning, not indulging in side shows. Let us get serious and remember Imam & pay tributes to him for his steadfastness against evil.

I have not such experience. But I am at loss why people do that?? Instead of praying and feeding the poor they mourn and beat their chest, Imam's were Shaheed and mourning is not allowed on that, why people do that. May ALLAH guide us Ameen

After seeing the picture and reading the comments, it amazed me that a very similar scenario is already in our daily life.

@ Shafiqa, If you do not know then let me inform you that besides mataam, people pray and distribute food and if you go through stats the consumption of edibles during moharram will be more then the rest of the months. Performing Mataam is not only to mourn but to revive the spirit of sacrifices given to a tyrant ruler. Although, the blogger wants us to posts comments 'In Case' of attending any procession or moharram activities, but it appears everyone is posting according to what he/she beliefs. Hope this would be accommodated. aLi

Tanzel, You need to understand that matam & tazia is a way of life for shia

Tragedy of Karbala is most heinous crime committed against the grand son of Prophet( Peace be upon him). Imam (RA) & his family paid with their lives but did not surrender to forces of evil. For that we honor him. Why go into the street, take of your shirts, beat chest, self flagellate!! The tragedy occurred in Iraq in 7th century, some Iraqis betrayed Imam (RA), Let the descendents of those betrayers do the

Fizza I just don

Alam Khan, Please understand the philosophy of azadari: Briefly: Shia do not mourn the shahadat of Imam Hussain (AS), Shia mourn the way, Al-e-Rasool, the near and dear ones of our dear prophet were martyred. The way, the ladies and children were made prisoners and a lot of atrocities were inflicted on them. It is really not possible for any Muslim (for even any human being) to stop his tears after knowing all this cruelty and inhuman acts. Matam & processions are protest against the brutality of Yazid and expression of grief over the pain of Ahle-bait. All type of charitable works & Ibadats are also performed alongwith matam / azadari. All other good deeds should not be suggested as the substitute of azadari.

This is in response to Shafiqa Khans question. It is Blind faith and superstition that our country is drowned in. We see this everywhere.

I believe every Muslim, shia or sunni, is equally saddened and mourns the heinous crime committed against the family of Mohammad (SAW). Hazrat Hussain (R.A) never accepted Yazid's subjugation and preferred martyrdom, which is a lesson for every Muslim around the world. Hussain (R.A) and his martyrdom is seen with reverence and obeisance all over the world. It is not a time to make how someone pays him respect a controversy. Actually, Ashura is the time for Muslim Unity. Many kafirs and hypocrites are trying their best to divide Muslim ummah by bringing up such things and escalate hatred among them. I strongly believe this is just an another attempt. May Allah bless Pakistan May Allah give Muslim Ummah courage and knowledge to know enemies of Islam. Wassalam

Salam to all brothers & sisters, It is definitely a Ahal-e-Sunnat procession where these particular Tazia

@ Naved Haider I agree 100% with your comments. If that is the case than why we stop there; we should also mourn the martyrdom of Omar R.A., Osman R.A., Ali R.A. and last but not least those thousands of unnamed companions of the prophet (PBUH) who were martyred for the sake of Islam. Without their sacrifices Islam would never be stayed alive. Probably we should come up another day or days to commemorate their sacrifices.

@ Naveed Haider again! Shia

Dear Faisal, When I read about the way the Al-e-Rasool, the near and dear ones of our dear prophet were martyred. The way, the ladies and children were made prisoners and a lot of atrocities were inflicted on them. Really tears start flowing from my eyes after knowing about all this cruelty and inhuman acts. And I also feel saddened when I read about how Hazrat Hassan RA was martyred, How Hazrat Ali RA was martyred. Most of all the horrifying martyrdom of Hazrat Usman RA and don't forget Hazrat Omar RA. May Allah Shower his mercy on all of them. I really cry a lot and pray for all of them. The lesson for us in this is to study and adopt their way of life and be patient in times of hard ship, and that should stand up to tyrant rulers and give our lives for the cause of Islam. I pray to ALLAH (SWT) to make us understand Islam in the right context and act upon it so as to get the blessings and forgiveness ALLAH (SWT).

@ Salman Islam has prescribed only two rituals; Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha the rest is fabricated and hence get no leverage from Islam or has any merit. As for the Five pillars of Islam; they are considered ibadaat. Where we show our gratefulness and ask for forgiveness etc.

Ali, There is no contradiction in my statement, let me explain a bit to you: Shahadat itself is an honor & no doubt shahada are alive. But with the hate & cruelty the pious family of the holy prophet was treated & martyred sadden every Muslim. The agony of the loved ones of the prophet is really worth mourning. The great cause of Imam Hussain (A.S) to protect the true spirit of Islam and his lasting lesson of sacrificing his life & family members for the purpose he believed in makes Karbala worth remembering in the form of Azadari. Practically it is not possible to remember all Shuhada this way, so by associating and remembering Syedush-shuhada & Ahle-bait, we pay homage to all shuhada-e-haq. There is no need to bring Azadari and following Islam's tenets & rituals before each other. Every thing has its own place.

@ Naveed I believe no one was martyred without hatred. As for Hussain R.A. were offered help by the tribe Banu Tayy but he declined it; wouldn't it give him some leverage? It is beyond comprehension. He knew their strengths but he decided to proceed. What would you say about that decision where you endangering not only your life but life of the innocent people around you. And second thing Ummaya caliphate was still an Islamic dynasty; was it reasonable to topple it? Wouldn't it weaken the Islamic government from inside; given that Ummaya were also from same tribe of Quresh? Nobility was never a considerable trait in Islam (Please review last sermon of Holy Prophet), otherwise Ali R.A. would be the first caliph of Islamic government on the basis of lineage? It was based on piety, strategic thinking and accountability (Remember the time period and way of ruling of Omar R.A. (The absolute best time period from every perspective))? I think I gave you a bit to think, comprehend and response with utmost honesty of your heart? At last, I pray to Allah to keep us all from fabricating the facts and accepting Islam in its purest form.

As Muslims we should also honour the companions of Prophet (PBUH) as well. Hope we also remember Prophet's uncle Hamza (RA) who laid down his life for Islam & Prophet (PBUH) in the battle of Ohad.

Ali, If you believe that Imam Hussain (A.S) was trying to topple the "Islamic government" then I recommend you to read some authentic and unbiased history. This is a totally wrong statement. As per my belief, Imam Hussain was the best man of his time by all respect and whatever, he did was just for the cause of Islam & for the sake of God. On the other hand, Yazid was the worst man in the history of mankind, no matter he was made a king by his father Muawia. I think it will not be advisable to be involved in an unending discussion with a half baked knowledge. Please read more authentic.

Sunni Muslims