Written by: Sania Ahmed Khan
Posted on: October 23, 2018 | 
| 中文
Nazar ul Hasan reciting Mir Anees' poetry
The martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali with his companions and family members is considered by Muslims of all sects and affiliations as the greatest single calamity that befell the community during early Muslim history. The tragedy of Karbala (680 AD) is not merely a story of the injustice perpetrated against an individual, but has much wider social, religious, moral and political significance. It was a clash between truth and falsehood, and a war between justice and oppression, virtue and wickedness, good and evil.
As a result of the deep distress and shock felt by Muslims at what happened to Imam Husayn and his followers in the battle of Karbala, a tradition of lamentation and weeping became the center of Shiite religiosity. This resulted in the emergence of rituals and ceremonies particular to Shias such as visiting shrines, performing public ceremonies and passion plays, taking part in processions and producing music, poetry and literature related to Husayn and Karbala.
Mir Anees’ marsiya on Karbala was composed in Lucknow, during the first half of the nineteenth century, for recitation in majalis organized for the mourning of the martyrdom of Husayn. It has 197 stanzas, and is a vivid portrayal of the heroes gearing up for battle, and the eventual injustice faced by them at the hands of the usurpers. Fawad Khan set the tone by describing the Imam gathering his supporters for what will be a day of strife and slaughter, but one they have also longed for, as by the end of it, those who die will find a place in heaven. Here, as throughout the marsiya, there is an emphasis on the martyrs, and their role in setting an example of sacrifice and righteousness for the people.
Since the time of Anees, marsiyas have usually been written in six line stanzas, with the last two lines of each stanza making a particularly forceful or empathetic point. Fawad Khan employed appropriate body language and adapted to the tone of the verses, to recite his part softly or with emphasis where necessary. There is an elaborate description of the glory of the supporters, who remain steadfast in spite of heat, hunger and thirst, and have nothing on their lips except the praise of Allah. Fawad recited the heart wrenching portrayal of the final moments of the Imam, as he bids farewell to his wife, sister and children. He calls on his sister to bring him the relics of his ancestors; the robes of the Prophet, the sword of Ali, the turban, helmet, armor, and shield.
You may also like:
