Imam Hussein's revolution is a global message: Ghani
Ashura is a great lesson for Afghans to not accept defeat: Abdullah
KABUL – Millions of Afghans on Saturday commemorated the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and third Shia Imam. Ashura Processions across Afghanistan concluded on by paying tribute to the greatest sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions who laid down their lives to preserve the uprightness of Islam in Karbala.
Speaking on the occasion, Ghani said that the "Ashura gives message of justice and the need to stand against tyranny." Adding that the message of Imam Hussein's revolution is a global message.
Ghani also said: "You should combat extremism and not let violence and extremism take hold because extremism is like robbery – it robs your children, women and the country of a future."
Ghani also welcomed the public drive for people to donate blood and said that "we all need to change the blood to a life tool especially for the security forces who are defending us on the battle fields – they are defending our honor, dignity, independence, sovereignty and standing for our future."
He said government is committed to defending Ashura and ancient traditions in the best way possible and urged people of Afghanistan to mark this historical day.
CEO Abdullah Abdullah on Ashura day called on all Afghan communities and groups to stay united and show solidarity towards each other.
"History has proven that the Afghan nation has never been defeated," Abdullah told the gathering attended by his deputy Engineer Mohammad Khan, the acting defense minister Masoom Stanekzai, the interior minister Noorulhaq Olomi and other senior government officials.
Referring to foreign interference in Afghanistan's affairs, Abdullah said he has called on the international community to help stop those involved in promoting and financing insurgency in Afghanistan.
He said however that Afghanistan had no enmity with any country and they would follow friendly relations.
In addition, he praised the sacrifices of the security forces who have either lost their lives or sustained injuries in battling the enemies of the country.
"Our nation has given huge sacrifices for the country and they are still sacrificing their lives," Abdullah continued.
He stated that the epic of Ashura is a great lesson for the Afghans to not accept defeat.
Ashura is marked on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram (the first month of the lunar calendar). Alongside Shiite Muslims, Sunni Muslims also marked the day at mosques by reading from the Holy Quran.
The events peak on the10th day, traditionally known as Ashura, when the Imam Hussain (A.S) and 72 of his companions were martyred at the hands of the despot, to whom they had refused to pledge allegiance.
Security was however tight in the capital Kabul, where numerous ceremonies were held peacefully – despite the rain.
"Imam Hussein's message is that we fight against injustice and today we are mark Imam Hussein's battle," a resident of Kabul city.
Meanwhile, the people in northern Balkh and other provinces of the country also marked Ashura Day. A number of Ulema council members also took part at a ceremony in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh, where they called for peace and unity among the people.
"Imam Hussein's battle was to seek justice and he said no to injustice and today all people are standing by this message of Hussein's," a member of the Ulema, Sayed Haidar Hashemi said.
A member of Balkh Ulema Council, Mawlawi Abdul Rouf said: "Imam Hussein's message was unity for all Muslims and for them to fight against injustice."
At the ceremony, Second Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danish; Ahmad Zia Massoud, the special envoy to Ghani for reform and good governance; Mohammad Hanif Atmar, National Security Advisor; Mohammad Karim Khalili, former vice president and other government officials were also present. (Tolonews)