Karzai Uses Ashura to Urge Insurgents to Renounce Violence

The Afghan President speaking at Ashura ceremony, called on the anti-government groups to join the peace process

President Hamid Karzai who was making a speech at a mourning ceremony on the occasion of the 1402nd anniversary of Imam Hussain's martyrdom, called on the anti-government armed groups to renounce violence and join the Afghan government's peace process.

"Once again, I call on all our brothers who have taken up arm against their own country and people, to reunite with their people and society so that the people in our country and the region may forever live in peace," said Mr Karzai.

Imam Hussain started an uprising against oppression imposed by Yazid ibne Mawia in the year 61 hejri, but was martyred along with 72 of his supporters.

President Karzai highlighted the achievements of Imam Hussain through his martyrdom as a big lesson for all Muslims.

President Hamid Karzai along with some senior Afghan government officials, members of parliament and religious leaders participated in the commemoration ceremony marking the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain, son of the fourth caliph of Islam, Hazrat-e-Ali Ibne Abi Talib (son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Mohammad Yunus Qanooni, head of the Afghan House of Representatives, called the rise of Imam Hussain as the salvation of Islam.

Imam Hussain, 57, was martyred along with his 72 companions after rising to overthrow the brutal rule of Yazid.

From the day the incident took place, Muslims from all around the world held ceremonies to commemorate the day of his resistance and fight against brutality and oppression.