Faiths focus on their ties
A Muslim group is holding an inter-faith afternoon focusing on similarities in Islam, Christianity and Hinduism.
The Momentous Sacrifice of Hussain, son of Fatema and Jesus, son of Mary, was due to be run today by Shias from Masjid Al Husayn community mosque, in North Evington, Leicester, at Beaumont Leys School hall, off Anstey Lane, from 3pm to 5.30pm.
A spokesman said: "This event is open to people all ages, to gents and ladies, with no entrance fee and with the sole purpose of community cohesion and mutual understanding."
The afternoon was to include music, theatrical performances, films and dinner.
Muslims in city parade
Hundreds of Muslims joined a procession through Leicester yesterday to mourn the murder of relatives of the Prophet Mohammed.
Worshippers gathered at the Majid-al-Husayn mosque in Duxbury Street, Spinney Hills, and walked around nearby streets while praying and commemorating The Prophet's grandson Imam Husayn, who was slain in the year 680.
Mosque spokesman Burket Ali Walji said: "The slaying of Husayn is the most tragic event in the history of Islam. He was an opponent of an oppressive, brutal caliph and represented tolerance, truth and justice.
"He was chased by the caliph's army into the deserts of Karbal in Iraq and murdered along with his own family and companions. His message is one that is inherently felt by all mankind regardless of their race or creed. That is why we mark his death every year."
Shia Muslims in religious procession to mark tragedy
Hundreds of Shia Muslims took part in a religious procession yesterday to mark Muharram, the month of mourning.
Men, women and children wore black as a symbolic display of grief over the slaying of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Husayn, whose death is thought to be one of the most tragic events in Islamic history.
The procession set off from the Masjid-Al-Husayn Shia Muslim mosque near Uppingham Road, North Evington, with devotees carrying a banner which read "Husayn, The Defender of Human Rights".
Members of the Islamic group beat their chests to symbolise grief at the martyrdom of Imam Husayn. People also distributed leaflets and recited eulogies.
One of the organisers, Onali Ismail, said this year marked the 22nd anniversary of the event taking place in the city.
He said: "The Shias of the world have mourned and lamented the death of Imam Husayn year after year since the event of Karbala, over 1,300 years ago.
"They lament in their love for their imam but also to keep alive his message of always supporting the truth and never bowing down to falsehood."
