Welcome to a tolerant Lahore
Pakistan
The mourners of Imam Hussain (RA) and devotees of Data Sahib (RA) gather under one roof
By Hassaan Ahmed
It’s Bhati Gate, Lahore. People in black dresses are coming in droves. They are mourning at the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain - the grandson of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) - who sacrificed his life with all his companions in Karbala.
One can also find alam, Shabi-e-Zuljinah, tazia, and taboot in the procession. Each of these things holds immense symbolic value for the mourners or devotees.
Niaz, or dole-outs, are also being distributed among the mourners while Nohas are being played on loudspeakers.
It is a picture of sorrow and mourning.
Just close to Bhati Gate, a few metres away from the mourning procession, one can find crowds engaged in celebrations. There is a palpable sense of jubilation as a number of people are dancing to the beat of drums – traditionally called dhamal – on the Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh - the patron saint of Lahore.
Read more: Prayers and invocations
Hazrat Ali Hujveri, commonly known as Data Sahib, came from Afghanistan and settled in Lahore. He became the magnetic pull for the people of Lahore by dint of his saintly attributes, deportment and service to the people.
He spent 21 years of his life in this city and became the beacon of spirituality for the whole of the subcontinent.
The sudden change of atmosphere, from grief to joy, within a radius of less than 100 metres is truly surprising for many observers. The area of spiritual activities is captivating as well as surprising for those whose lives are surrounded by economic strife and gain, and who see an air of intolerance all around.
A large number of people invoke the blessings either by mourning or celebrating. The entrance to both the portals is the same.
They first pass through the security gates and spend some time in the mourning procession just outside Karbala Gamay Shah, one of the oldest Imambargahs in the city. They touch the alam, Shabi-e-Zuljinah, tazia, and taboot as a mark of respect for the martyrs of Karbala.
Then, they head towards the shrine of Data Sahib, where they offer Salam, a tribute to the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), and engross themselves in prayers and invocations at the feet of the patron saint.
"It’s not about being a Shia or a Sunni. It's about love. The martyrs of Karbala sacrificed their lives for the love of Islam. And Data Sahib embraced people from every sect and religion… through the power of love," said Ali Hassan, who is a regular visitor to both places.
"I can still remember that my late grandmother used to attend the Shia majalis and she was also a frequent visitor to Data Sahib's shrine," he added with a tinge of nostalgia.
At the shrine, many people partake in rituals while having belief in the healing power the Higher Power has bestowed on Data Sahib.
The slogans of 'Labaik Ya Rasool Allah' and 'Labaik Ya Hussain' fill the air with excitement. The area resonates with the slogans showing deep respect for the holy personages the whole day through.
Sajjad Hussain likes to introduce himself both as a mourner of Imam Hussain and a devotee of Data Sahib.
"There was a time when the Shia community would remain busy in mourning and niaz was prepared by the Sunnis. Even today, one can find a few families inside the walled city, who take pride in such a spirit of support and tolerance,” said Hussain.
He added that even Data Sahib was a regular visitor to the shrine of Bibian Pak Daman in Lahore - one of the most sacred places for the Shia sect. An area has also been preserved at Bibian Pak Daman, where Data Sahib used to come and meditate for hours.
As thousands of people gathered at Bhati Chowk for two different events this past week, there was only one cause. There was no distinction between caste, colour, or creed. Everyone showed up out of deep devotion to the holy personages who fought for and preached tolerance.
Welcome to a tolerant Lahore.
