LAHORE (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The Central Ruet-i-Hilal committee announced on Saturday that Muharram-ul-Harram moon had been sighted and the first of Muharram will fall on Sunday (today). Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims across the world mourn as during this month, the battle of Karbala took place in Iraq and Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) along with his 72 companions embraced martyrdom for the glory of Islam. The month is observed with religious enthusiasm and fervour.The holy month of Muharram marks event of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) migration from Makkah Moazzama to Madina Munawwara. The event is of special importance in the history of Islam, as Muslims established an independent Islamic state in Madina. Muharram is one of the four months of the year in which fighting is prohibited.The 10th day of Muharram is observed by Muslims as Youm-e-Ashur which will commence on December 6, when mourning reaches its climax. Many Muslims fast during Muharram days.Muslims in cities and towns across Pakistan hold religious gatherings to narrate the events which led to the tragedy of Karbala. Processions of Alam and Zuljinnah are taken out from Imambargahs which terminate after going through their traditional routes.Majalis will be held across the country in which religious scholars, Ulemas, and Zakirs will recall how Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions sacrificed their lives for the cause of Islam in Karbala and refused to bow before Yazid.In Lahore, police officials say the security plan has been chalked out after consultating the leaders belonging to various schools of thought and 184 potential trouble points had been identified in the city. The parking lots to be set up at a safe distance, preferably 200 meter away from the venue of Majalis.Meanwhile, thousands of policemen including senior officers would provide security cover to 4,000 Majalis and 640 processions while armed personals would also be deputed to provide security to different programs to be held on daily basis.Reportedly more than 2,000 police officials in plainclothes will also perform their duties around major and sensitive Majalis in order to keep a vigil on the activities of the miscreants. It is also expected that all types of political activities will be postponed during this holy month in the country./129
