Muharram celebrations in Muslim countries

Posted: 22/10/2015

22 October 2015 - RPS Partnership

Muharram is the first month  of Islamic New Year according to Lunar Calendar. This year it started on 15 Oct.

It is also the month of mourning the tragic events resulting in the death of Hazrat Imam Hussein- the grandson of Prophet Muhammad who was brutally martyred in Karbella, Iraq some 1400 years ago.

The first 10 days of this month are specially important because of large gatherings to commemorate the unfortunate tragedy. Ashura ,the 10th of Muharram , will be observed on 24 Oct 15. That is the day when large mourning processions are taken out in all major cities and towns.

These are purely religious gatherings, occasionally marred by some sectarian mishaps, but the terrorist threat is always there and should be borne in mind. All such gatherings are lucrative targets for sabotage activities.

During the past few years there have been numerous terrorists’ attacks on such gatherings, resulting in the loss of many lives. This advice comes from Salamanca Group, RPS's advisor on the ground, who says that the Pakistani Government is taking all possible security measures but RPS advises you have to take preventive actions to ensure your safety when travelling in Pakistan and other Muslim coutntries during this period.

RPS advises you to avoid all the procession routes and avoid any unnecessary travelling in and arund these areas. In Pakistan all the cellular services will be suspended on 23rd and 24 Oct during the daytime so please use alternative communications and plan for this. Llandlines will still work.

Please contact [email protected] for further advice on travel to Pakistan and other Muslim countries.

Photos: RPS in Islamabad

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