Shias and Sunnis Bury the Hatchet in Lucknow, Finally!

NEW DELHI: Amidst the chaos generated by divisive politics the story of a new unity from Lucknow tends to be eclipsed. Sunnis and Shias who have a history of discord, often erupting in violence, in the capital of Uttar Pradesh have come together in an exceptional show of unity that has astounded politicians and followers alike.

A major first is the initiative for a Sunni cleric to address what is perceived as a Shia majlis in the city. The largest majlis during Muharram is held at the Bara Imambara and is being addressed by the Sunni cleric and Mufti-e-Azam of Rajasthan Maulana Professor Kamal Ahmed Shamsi Tehrani. He was also address a second gathering at the Nawabi era Shanajaf imambara in Hazratganj.

Significantly several Sunni clerics from across India have been invited to participate in the religious meetings. As some of the clerics have been quoted in the media as saying, the decision to unitedly participate in each others functions comes from the realisation that the division between the Shias and the Sunnis was being exploited by those with vested interests.

This come after Shias and Sunnis came together to offer Eid-ul-Zuha prayers at the Sibtainabad Imambara in Lucknow a few weeks ago. Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Sadiq told reporters at the time, that this was being done in the pursuit of truth and unity. He described it as a “welcome move” adding that it should be sustained and nurtured. This has been unprecedented in Lucknow’s recent political history where the two sects have not seen eye to eye on any issue, and the city was known more for its sectarian violence with both Shias and Sunnis at loggerheads on all issues, including political preferences.

The Eid prayers were led by a Sunni cleric at the Shia Imambara, and both sects prayed according to their own ritual. The common Muslims of the city are delighted with the development with several of both sects, maintaining that “there cannot be a better development than this.” A senior journalist from Lucknow was particular excited, as she had covered several incidents of violence and was optimistic that with this level of unity the two sects would finally sink the differences, and work as united community “at last.”