Bareilly, June 27 (IANS) All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi on Saturday said that the 10-day observance of Muharram concluded peacefully, attributing the smooth conduct of the festival to the law and order maintained by the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Speaking to IANS, Razvi said, “The festival of Muharram went really well. The ten days of Muharram were very peaceful, and everything passed off smoothly.”

He further said, “There was no problem in Uttarakhand, especially in Uttar Pradesh. We did not face any trouble. No situation arose where electricity wires or trees had to be cut. This all happened because Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath maintained law and order. I want to thank the government and the police officials who made all the necessary arrangements.”

Razvi also criticised former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh Yadav, while sharing his views on the observance of Muharram and other contemporary issues.

“If Akhilesh Yadav had been in power, violent incidents would have taken place,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, Muharram was observed across the country, with devotees participating in religious processions and commemorative events.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is regarded as one of the holiest periods in Islam. The observance is closely associated with Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), in the Battle of Karbala. Religious gatherings, mourning processions and prayer meetings are organised across many parts of India and the world during this period.

The word “Muharram” means “forbidden”, signifying that it is one of the four sacred months in Islam during which warfare is traditionally prohibited. Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased worship, prayer and reflection during this holy month.

Muharram also marks the beginning of the Islamic or Hijri New Year. The Islamic calendar is based on 12 lunar months, with the sighting of the new moon determining the start of each month.

The first day of Muharram marks the beginning of the new Islamic year. Although there are no specific acts of worship prescribed for this day, many Muslims use the occasion to reflect on the life, struggles and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the early Muslim community.

–IANS

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