DUBAI, UAE: Hussainyas and Imambargahs across the United Arab Emirates started off the month of Muharram in grand fashion with a number of majalis and mourning programs.

Mourners from across the sub-continent, Africa and the Arab countries, who reside in the region, attended these programs in large numbers, thereby extending their condolences to the HOLY HOUSEHOLD (a.s.) and sharing in the 12th IMAM (a.s.)’S Grief.

In the city of Dubai, a number of Imambargahs held their majalis, accommodating scores of mourners, pitching tents and shades.

Majalis were held at Imambargah Mohammed Shah, Tajdar Imambargah, Hussainya-e-zahra, Matam al-Adwani, Gharash Imambargah, Imambargah Haji Fardan and many other venues.

Majalis were also held in the cities of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and various other locations.

Various zakireen (Hussaini speakers) from across the globe highlighted different issues and stressed the importance of maintaining the institution of azadari.

Matami Dastas, or corps, from across the UAE, held grand Matam dari sessions and the famous Noha khawn (Hussaini dirge-chanter), Waheed-Ul-Hassan from Lahore, Pakistan, also recited Nohas and conducted Matam Dari Programs.

Langar (meal from the table of Imam Hussain a.s.) was served to the mourners at the end of programs and stands had been placed to serve the sabeel.

The night of Ashura, also saw a historic program at the Hussainya-e-Zahra, with mourners taking out to the open, carrying Alams (standards of Hazret Abbas a.s.), Tazia and various Shabees. Matmi Sangats performed Matam dari for hours on end and a number of other nationality groups gave their condolences through Matam.

The Day of Ashura was heralded with the azan-e-Ali Akbar (prayer call by 18-year-old young son of Imam Hussain a.s.), majalis and amaal.

Majalis were organized and mourners held the yearly Ashura gathering at the Dubai Qabarstan. Matam was performed and heavy zanjeer zani (striking backs with razor blades streaming blood to signify grief over the sufferings of Imam Hussain a.s. and his companions) was witnessed.

Programs culminated with the majalis of sham-e-ghariban.

Majalis are scheduled to continue up to 8th Rabi ul Awwal and a number of zakireen (Hussaini speakers) are expected to attend. 

Kuwaitis continue holding majales al-azaiyah KUWAIT CITY: Like other global parts, matchless sacrifices of holy Prophet Muhammad b. Abdullah (p)’s grandson Al-Imam Abi Abdillah Al-Hussein (p), presented some 1,400 years ago for the sake of Islam and humanity, are being commemorated in Kuwait by holding husseini rites.