Shia Muslims to march through Leicester in exchange for the Muharram procession

Hundreds of Shia Muslims are expected to march through Leicester city center this afternoon (Sunday July 14) to remember the life and death of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Muharram procession, hosted by the Muslim charity Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri (MSKI), is set to return to the city for the first time since 2019. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar when Shia Muslims observe rituals commemorating several historical and religious events.

One of the events is the Battle of Karbala, in which Husayn ibn Ali was martyred. It took place in 680AD – 61AH in the Islamic calendar.

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This afternoon’s procession will set off from Humberstone Gate, heading through the East Gates, High Street before ending in Jubilee Square. The organizer of the procession, Ali Abbas Rajani, said Husayn was someone people could “take inspiration from”.

It was Husayn’s refusal to show loyalty to Yazid I – who was a leader of the Umayyad Islamic state that Hussain considered unjust – that led to his death. His stance as well as advocacy for human rights are the reasons why he is celebrated in the Shia community.

Ali Abbas said: “The procession is simply a reminder. Spreading their values ​​and inspiring others to always give back to society.

“Whether it’s human rights, defending against oppression, feeding the poor, caring for the homeless, loving and caring for the orphan, helping your neighbor, or simply spreading love and compassion. We think Husayn can be someone you can look up to.

“If at this point everyone made even a small positive change in their life or a small contribution to society because something in Husayn’s life struck a chord with them, then we would consider it a massive success. In every country and time, for every nation and race, Husayn’s story offers inspiration and encouragement to people: to become aware of oppression and take steps, however small, to speak out and act against it.”

This will be the 32nd year that the procession has taken place in Leicester, however the act of commemoration has been held for more than 13 centuries across the globe. The procession will take place between 14.30 and 16.00.

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