By TwoCircles.net Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: The chants of Huzoor ki Aamad, Marhaba, Marhaba reverberated in the air as the Madhe Sahba procession emerged from Jhandewala Park in Aminabad on Friday to mark the Eid-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations in Lucknow. Thousands of people converged from different parts of the city including from other districts to participate in the procession.
Anjumans carrying their traditional flags and banners recited Naat. Slogans hailing Prophet and his companions filled the air with each anjuman trying to outcast the other.
With the peaceful passage of Madhe Sahab procession, district administration too passed the litmus test of maintaining peace and tranquillity. Since January 11 minor incidents were recurring in the city thus escalating the tension between two sects of Muslims. The tension culminated in a violent incident resulting in the death of two persons and injuring several others.
Since then police and administrative officials were on their toes. This procession is part of the tripartite agreement between three—district administration, Shias and Sunnis on April 25 1999 which permits nine processions of Shias and one of Sunnis. Even yesterday a minor clash took place in which two youths were injured.
The celebrations of Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi had begun a day before with all major mosques illuminated and functions held in several parts of Lucknow. Eminent clerics highlighted the life and virtues of Prophet and his companion. Green flags and buntings were put enroute and also on the roof tops to decorate for the occasion.
This time district administration had made elaborate arrangements with buses kept ready for those participating in the procession. They ferried the people to the procession originating point thus avoiding the tension enroute. Heavy police force including on rooftops were done to keep vigil on the developments.
The Madhe Sahaba procession began from Jhandewala Park In Aminabad at 11 am. As it passed through Maulviganj, Raqabganj, Nadan Mahal Road, Nakhas Crossing, Billauchpura, Haiderganj many anjumans (groups) joined in. It finally culminated at Aishbagh Eidgah at around 5:30 pm. After culmination it was addressed by several Muslim clerics including Imam Aishbagh Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali. The participating groups were returning to their respective places till late evening.
Another procession, Juloos-e-Mohammadi was taken out from Shahmeena Dargah at around 2 pm to culminate at Jyotiba Phule Park in Chowk. Maulana Irfan Mian Farangi Mahali and other clerics lead this procession. This procession is different from the Madhe Sahaba procession and is not part of the agreement.
At Eidgah— The procession of Madhe Sahaba after the Juma Namaz converted into a Jalsa-e-Seerat Rahmat-ul-Aalameen and Seerat-e-Sahaba. Attended by thousands the Jalsa was addressed by several eminent clerics and Muslim personalities.
Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Aleem Farooqui stated that Muslims can tolerate every harm but cannot not tolerate any insult to Rasool and Sahabas. This procession is just a small indication of our love towards the Sahabas.
Farangi Mahli in his address stated that Islam is a religion of peace. He also expressed his concern over the recent violence in Lucknow and expressed satisfaction that the probe has been handed over to Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the innocents will be relieved.
Haji Mohammad Ahmad Khan Adeeb in his speech highlighted the movement for Madhe Sahaba and the importance of Madhe Sahaba. He also elaborated the tripartite agreement between Shias and Sunnis and district administration. Adeeb termed the procession as an historical.
Additional Advocate General Zafaryab Jilani in his speech stated that movement for Madhe Sahaba is a milestone in various movements. Others who were also present in the programme include Maulana Naeemur Rehman Siddiqui, Syed Rasheeduz Zafar, Dr Shakir Hashmi, Haji Fazle Alam, Mohd Farooque Khan, Hafiz Abdur Rasheed, Syed Ayaz Ahmed, Mohd Asim, Mohd Haleem, Adnan Khan, Maulana Haroon, Maulan.