From Karbala to Kashmir: The Message Behind a New York Aashoora March

– Mahatma Gandhi

“The Karbala tragedy is a historical event of human martyrdom of such importance that it can never be forgotten. It shall continue to influence the lives of billions of men and women of the world throughout the ages.”

–  Dr. Rajandra Prasad

On a brilliant Sunday afternoon in New York City, something unusual unfolded along Park Avenue. Thousands of men, women, and children—dressed entirely in black—walked in solemn silence, their voices rising in mournful eulogies and rhythmic chants of “Labaik Ya Hussain.” Passersby paused, struck by the emotion in the air. Among the names being invoked, one echoed beyond time and geography: Kashmir.

This was the annual Aashoora procession, held on August 8, 2019, to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whose stand against tyranny in the 7th century has become a global symbol of resistance. But this year, the solemn remembrance took on a new urgency—echoing the cries of a people half a world away, suffering under a different but no less painful injustice.

Imam Hussain: The Martyr Who Resisted Tyranny

In the year 680 AD (61 AH), Imam Hussain refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, a tyrant whose oppressive rule contradicted the values of Islam. Rather than legitimizing this regime, Hussain chose the path of sacrifice. He left Medina with his family and a small group of companions, heading toward Kufa, where he had been invited by its citizens.

Before reaching the city, his caravan was intercepted in the desert of Karbala by Yazid’s forces. For three days, they were denied water. On the 10th of Muharram, facing an army of 30,000 with only 72 companions, Imam Hussain and his followers stood their ground. Among the slain was his infant son. After the massacre, the remaining women and children were taken captive and paraded through Kufa and Damascus.

Despite the brutality, Imam Hussain’s refusal to surrender awakened the conscience of the Muslim world. As historian Thomas Carlyle wrote in Heroes and Hero Worship:

“Without Hussain’s martyrdom, Islam would have been extinguished. He was the savior of Islam, and it was due to his sacrifice that Islam took such deep root, which it is neither possible nor imaginable to destroy now.”

This ethos—to stand with the oppressed and never with the oppressor—continues to guide his followers. As they say: “Every day is Aashoora. Every land is Karbala.”

Kashmir: A Modern-Day Karbala

Just days before the procession, on August 4, 2019, the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Article 370 of the Constitution, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special autonomous status. Alongside it, Article 35A—which protected the region’s demographic identity—was also nullified.

This drastic decision was made without consulting the Kashmiri people or their elected representatives. What followed was a region-wide military lockdown, a total communication blackout, mass arrests, and a suffocating curfew. Overnight, an entire population was rendered voiceless.

For many, this act was not just political—it was an assault on the very identity of Kashmir, long referred to as “a paradise on earth.”

Speaking Truth to Power in the Streets of New York

It was in this climate that Kashmir was invoked at the Aashoora procession. For those mourning Imam Hussain, the historical lesson was clear: to honor Karbala means standing against injustice today, whether in Iraq, Palestine, or Kashmir.

Mr. Istefa Naqvi, one of the event’s lead organizers, voiced the anguish felt by many: “People are imprisoned. Women and children are being murdered. And yet, the world remains silent. The most painful part is that much of the Muslim ummah is still supporting India.”

Speakers like Ms. Marya Abbas and Ms. Nessrein Abu Shahba expressed unwavering solidarity with Kashmiris, affirming that the message of Hussain demands action in our own time.

Shaykh Hasanain Mir, a respected cleric of Kashmiri origin and keynote speaker, addressed the crowd: “There’s been a total media blackout for 30 days. If Modi believes in democracy, why silence an entire region? Because he knows the Kashmiri people do not—and will not—accept this injustice.” He urged attendees to peacefully protest at the United Nations on August 27 and again on September 27. “By standing with the oppressed,” he declared, “you are walking in the path of Imam Hussain.” Mr. Malik Nadeem, former Secretary General of the International Human Rights Commission Relief Fund, reinforced the message in an interview: “Aashoora renews our will to fight injustice.  The people of Kashmir have upheld that legacy. More than 110,000 civilians have been killed by Indian armed forces. We must not let the world forget.”

A Movement Across America

This spirit was echoed across cities in the United States—Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Jersey City, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Orlando—all hosting Aashoora processions that carried the same dual message: remembrance of Karbala, and resistance to modern-day oppression.

As the New York procession concluded, the message remained etched in the hearts of all who marched: Karbala is not confined to one place or time. Wherever injustice reigns, Karbala is reborn.

Imam Hussain’s sacrifice was not merely a historical stand—it was a call to conscience. And as long as tyranny persists, that call will echo through streets, processions, and protests alike.

“There is a universal appeal in this martyrdom. Imam Hussain sacrificed his all, but he refused to submit to a tyrannical government. This sacrifice is a beacon light of guidance for every community and every nation.”

–       Jawaharlal Nehru

Also Read more from this Author: Sherrill Secures Democratic Nomination in Historic New Jersey Gubernatorial Primary

Curated by Humra Kidwai

Articles written by contributors have different viewpoints. The views expressed in the articles are the author’s own and not necessarily supported by TIO, The India Observer its affiliates, staff, or the management. Our Articles can be reproduced, with the following conditions, (1) No alteration to the content, (2) Visible, and full credit is given to the Author & Editor. (3) Citing, The India Observer, TIO. In the case of online or electronic media, a link to the original article must be given. Rules are strictly enforced. Any questions, email the Editor at: Mediaiss@gmail.com Or TheIndiaObserver@gmail.com