Hundreds of Shiite Muslims join march in Peterborough bringing a message of peace

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Hundreds of men, women and children marched through Peterborough on Tuesday (6 December) as part of a major a religious event.Carrying banners and chanting, an estimated 900 people made their way from the Husaini Islamic Centre in Burton Street, Peterborough, all the way into Cathedral Square.Shoppers stopped their Christmas shopping to listen to a group of young Muslim children reciting prayers and poetry during a ceremony in Cathedral Square.The event was held as part of the annual day of Ashura, which aims to spread the message of peace and tolerance on the anniversary of the Prophet Imam Hussain’s (AS) death.He was killed after speaking out against perceived injustices nearly 1,400 years ago in Kerbala.Mosque officials estimated that around 950 people took part in the activities.The marchers waved banners and recited quotes from people as wide ranging as Mahatma Gandhi to Charles Dickens.They came to a standstill in Cathedral Square, where groups of young children aged between five and 10 years old confidently spoke to shoppers about why they were marching and their hopes for worldwide peace.Sakine Dafoo (7) said: “When we first started I was a bit nervous because there were so many people.“But then when I started talking it went well and I feel like I achieved something.”Aunali Mahmood (10) added: “We want to remember Imam Husain(as) and also pass on his messages.”Sukaina Manji, who was looking after the children on the day, said: “I think they spoke very well.“We have classes at the mosque in public speaking and they have put in a lot of work before coming here.“We chose children to read the message because we want them to learn about Imam Husain(as), but also because they are the future.”The girls in the group were Sakine Dafoo (7), Fizza Jivraj (9), Aliya Sadak (10), Sayiya Mavaini (6), Fatema Ansana Rajbali (7), Mandiya Walji (10), Haniya Mawani (8) and Zainab Namji (8).Meanwhile, the boys were Aunali Mahmood (10), Ammar Imran (9), Zainali Dafoo (9), Jawad Manvani (10), Samir Halani (10), Jameel Rahemtella (11) and the youngest member of the group Rosham Abbas Manji (5).After reading speeches for around 10 minutes, the group left the square to return to the Husaini Islamic Centre.Centre spokesperson Zulikar Ali said: “We chose Cathedral Square because it is very central and we wanted to get the message out to as many people as possible.“We set out on this march, not just in memory of Imam Husain(as), but to remind people that we must always speak out against injustice and oppression, wherever it is happening.“This year we were particularly be thinking of all those who are suffering around the world as they try to assert their basic human rights. We must speak out against this.“A lot of people asked questions and took literature from us. It is all about engaging with the public, and is a good chance to resolve some misconceptions people have about our peaceful religion.”Shaikh Muhammad Kassimali, resident priest for the Husaini Islamic Centre, added: “This march was not just about one issue or limited to Muslims.“We want the world to know that Peterborough as a city is standing up for human rights.“We call on everyone – regardless of religion, race or gender – to join us and speak out against injustice.”Special help was given to people to join the march, from pensioners being ferried along in a special bus to young children being wheeled along in pushchairs.Amongst the group was parent Mebood Walji (34), who took his son Ammar (3) on the march.Mr Walji, from Sugar Way, Peterborough, said: “I think the message is an important one to teach my son.“It is a time to remind everyone about the importance of standing up against oppression and tyranny.”