After a gap of seven years, members of the Shia and Sunni communities offered prayers together on the occasion of Bakrid in lucknow on Friday.
The Namaz led by Sunni cleric Maulana Hafiz Mohammed Shazad was performed at the historic Sibtainabad Imambara in the Old City. The programme was the result of a unique citizen-driven initiative called RsShana Bashana’ or 'Shoulder to Shoulder' (S2S) to spread the message of universal brotherhood.
"They are those in pursuit of 'satya' (truth) and those who cherish 'satta' (power) and true religion lies in upholding truth," said Maulana Kalbe Sadiq at the historic event on Friday. A group of volunteers came together with the objective of ending differences between the two sects of Muslims.
Maulana Sadiq added that he had met the highest Shia cleric and was advised to refer to the Sunnis as one's 'jaan' (life) and 'rooh' (soul) instead of brothers which would sink differences. "It is a welcome move that both sects are standing together to pray and this should be sustained and nurtured," he advised.
As per the mutual agreement, a Sunni cleric Maulana Shehzad led the prayers at the Shia monument and everybody followed as per their individual manner, hands folded or otherwise. Endorsement had already been obtained from the highest religious authority Maulana Al-Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani of Iran that it was all right to offer namaz in such a way. Clerics from both sects have welcomed the move and as word spread, people from not just the city but across the state and country supported the cause.
lucknow has over a century-old history of Shia Sunni conflict which has been disturbingly frequent almost every year during Moharrum - the first month of the Islamic calendar.
In June 2008, noted Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Sadiq had proposed to offer Eid namaz led by the Naib Imam of Idgah. Ahead of Eid, noted horticulturist Padamshri Haji Kalimullah of Malihabad had led a delegation of about 20 Sunni Mulims to the historical Asifi mosque to offer namaz which was then led by Shia cleric Maulana kalbe Jawwad, the Imam-e-Juma of lucknow. The idea was floated by a young lawyer of city, Mohammed Hiader.
"Its merely the beginning. If the Muslims irrespective of sect, can offer prayers together at Mecca during Haj, then why can’t we do it here. We wish to carry it forward. The month of mourning for the Shias - Moharrum, is commencing from second week of October. The theme of the majlis (congregation) will be RsIttehad’ (harmony) said Haider Mohammed.