Peace Walk in Honor of Imam Hussein Planned in New Jersey
The local Shia Muslim community will host the peace walk from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
It is in honor of Imam Hussein (AS), a martyr who defended Islam with a small group of supporters against the army of Yazid nearly 1,400 years ago.
The Battle of Karbala in 680 in Karbala, Iraq, pitted Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his 72 companions against the 30,000-strong army of Yazid, a ruler who disregarded Islamic law and Muslim traditions, Mayor Daniel J. Reiman said.
“Imam Hussein (AS) and his supporters sacrificed their lives rather than submit to oppression,” Mayor Reiman said. “Subsequent sermons by the women from (Imam) Hussein’s caravan condemning the injustices of Yazid led to his disgrace and the end of his reign.
“Every year on the 10th of Muharram – the first month of the Islamic calendar – Shia Muslims throughout the world observe the day of martyrdom of Imam Hussein (known as Ashura),” Mayor Reiman continued. “This year, Imam Hussein’s day of martyrdom is observed on July 22, so the Carteret Shia Muslim community will be holding a processional walk as a show of solidarity, truth and justice.”
The local walk is part of the Shia Muslim community’s Stand with Dignity campaign to raise awareness about Imam Hussein (AS), said co-organizer Syed Z. Bukhari, a Borough resident.
Stand with Dignity is inspired by one of the greatest movements of faith, love and humanity, Bukhari said.
“The questions we raise deeply invoke the heart,” he said. “What do we stand for? What values would we fight for? How often do we have compassion for others? Today, it is difficult to find an individual who embodies the ideals of honor, valor and dignity. Over 1,400 years ago, one man made a stand. He defied the tyrant ruler through one battle, spurring the beginning of a movement that continues until today. This man was Imam Hussein.”
The Imam Hussein Peace Walk will commence at 4:00pm at the Carteret Park Pavilion at Carteret Avenue and Louis Street and end at Carteret Town Center in front of the Memorial Municipal Building at 61 Cooke Ave. A ceremony will continue there until 8:00pm, organizers said.
Source: newjerseystage.com
