Bridging the Great Divide

December 17, 2010

Author: Ali Khan Mahmudabad

Source: The Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7115308.cms?frm=mailtofriend

Headlines around the world often announce the arrival of Muharram with stories of bloodshed. Iraq and Pakistan are two particularly dangerous places where participating in processions to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain is tantamount to walking into a battle zone. Yet, people still come out not only in those countries but in the most unlikely places to remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussain nearly 1,300 years ago. Mahmudabad , a sleepy town outside Lucknow, is one such place where the whole town hums with activity despite the Shias being a minority there.