The Shi’a Muslim community in Nakuru on Tuesday joined their colleagues nationwide in commemorating the tragic death of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussein with calls for unity in the country.
He was killed and beheaded in the Battle of Karbala on 10 October 680 (10 Muharram 61 AH) by Yazid, along with most of his family and companions, including Husain’s six month old son, Ali al-Asghar, with the women and children taken as prisoners.Over the years, the day has also come to symbolize unity.
Addressing media in Nakuru during a procession from Shia Mosque in Shabaab, Nakuru Town West the Shia Muslim Community leaders in Nakuru called for unity and tolerance.
Led by Sheikh Shabir Hajji, the Shia Muslim Community leaders in Nakuru calling on all Kenyans to emulate Imam Hussein who preached Unity, love and respect for the human rights.
Sheikh Hajji also hitting out at terror groups such as Al-shabaab, Boko Haram and al-Qaida that are tinting the image of Islam as a religion.
He was quick to note that Islam is a peace, love and unity loving religion and anyone who goes against such is not a Muslim.
Sheikh Hajji while commending the March Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga added that as leaders of the Shia Muslim community they full rally behind the same.
According to them, the handshake has seen peace that will continue to foster development.“Imam Hussein taught us unity and therefore as leaders we call for unity in this country.
We full support the peace that has been occasioned by the handshake between President and former Prime Minister” said Sheikh Hajji.
Similar sentiments echoed by Sheikh Salim Ng’ang’a who called on everyone in the society to ensure no one is left behind in accessing the basic needs as far as human rights are concerned.
According to Sheikh Salim a society that cares for the less fortunate and making sure all human rights are safeguarded is a society that is headed in the right direction.
“We should sow unity, love and also defend the less fortunate in society” said Sheikh Salim.
For Shi’a Muslims the Ashura is a day to make pilgrimages, for those who can, to a shrine in Karbala, the Mashhad al-Husayn, where the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali is.
In Nakuru,the Shi’a Muslims wore mourning clothes(BLACK) and held procession from the Shia Mosque in Shabaab to the other Shia al-Qadir Mosque in Freehold where prayers were also held.
During the procession, they gave out free drinking water to all who were on the road sides as a sign of showing love and caring for the humanity.
PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:The Shi’a Muslim community in Nakuru led by their leaders addressing media at Shi’a Mosque in Shabaab,Nakuru West.