Procession Held in Downtown Houston on the Martyrdom Anniversary of Hazrat Ali (A.S.)
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Houston, Texas
The martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (A.S.) was observed with deep religious devotion and reverence in Houston. In this regard, a mourning procession was organized under the administration of Dar-e-Abbas Center Houston and Anjuman Ghulaman-e-Abbas. The procession started from downtown, passing through designated routes, and concluded at the park near the Mayor’s Office.
Various mourning groups from across the city participated in the procession, reciting elegies (Noha Khwani), while the mourners paid tribute to the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Ali (A.S.), and the revered family of the Prophet.
Addressing the Majlis-e-Aza (religious gathering), Maulana Waseem Abbas highlighted the noble life of Hazrat Ali (A.S.), stating that he was born in the Kaaba and attained martyrdom in a mosque. He accepted Islam in his childhood and spent his entire life in the love and obedience of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH).
A large number of male and female mourners attended the procession, expressing their love and devotion through chest-beating (Matam) and elegy recitations. Renowned Noha reciters Syed Razi Haider, Ali Abbas, and Shakeel Raza presented heart-touching elegies, while Ghulam Raza and Syed Nasir Abbas recited Salam in honor of Hazrat Ali (A.S.).
On this occasion, Majalis (religious gatherings) were also held in various Imambargahs. Maulana Wasi Haider Zaidi delivered a Ramadan Majlis at Markazi Imambargah Al-Murtaza, while Maulana Qari Dr. Abrar Hussain addressed the Majlis-e-Aza at Masjid Ali (Ali Center). The scholars emphasized that Hazrat Ali (A.S.) always stood by the truth and never compromised with falsehood. He remained steadfast in every battle, every trial, and every challenge. His bravery and courage continue to serve as a guiding light for the Muslim Ummah.
