Peerzada Ummer
Srinagar, Jul 07 : On Sunday, the 10th day of Muharram, Srinagar’s Zadibal witnessed a deeply moving scene as thousands of Muslims gathered to commemorate the sacrifices of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saw), in the historic Battle of Karbala. The day was marked by a striking atmosphere of devotion, unity, and selfless service.
According to the news agency, black flags adorned with intricately inscribed eulogies honoring the martyrs of Karbala fluttered in the heat, while water sprinklers provided much-needed relief to the mourners and onlookers lining the procession route. The procession began early in the morning, drawing crowds that filled the narrow lanes of Alamgari Bazar and its surroundings.
Along the route, Sabeels—tents offering water to passersby—stood in orderly rows, tended by volunteers ranging from children to elderly men. Some held glasses of milk; others carried packaged water bottles, all contributing to the spirit of service that defined the day. Residents of the area opened their gates wide, warmly inviting every visitor to rest, have tea, or shelter their vehicles, transcending sectarian lines. There was no visible distinction between a Shia and a Sunni- everyone was a guest.
Despite the consumption of thousands of water bottles and disposable cups, the streets remained remarkably clean. Volunteers swiftly collected any waste found along the roadsides. Importantly, there was no presence of enforcement personnel welding sticks; instead, the participants maintained order through mutual respect and personal responsibility. This was the most self-disciplined crowd seen in Kashmir’s recent memory.
Amid the crowd, a young man in his early twenties was seen carrying waste bins, moving from one Sabeel to another to collect used paper cups and bottles. “I am a Sunni, and we have a Sabeel here with 72 members—70 Sunnis and 2 Shias. But this has nothing to do with whether you are Shia or Sunni. This is an exhibition of love for Imam Hussain. Love that makes us human and teaches us good things.”
He added, “I collect these waste bottles so that on the Day of Judgment, I can face Allah with hope for Shafa’at (intercession) through these simple deeds.”
