Majlis e Aza in Karachi, Pakistan
On Thursday, April 4, 2025, a profoundly moving Majlis e Aza took place at Imam Bargah Shohda-e-Karbala in Karachi, Pakistan, marking the 102nd anniversary of the destruction of Jannat Al Baqee. Organized by Ashhar Mehdi, the dedicated representative of the Al Baqee Organization in Karachi, alongside his team of committed volunteers, the event drew a large, engaged crowd that remained captivated until the very end. This gathering served as a solemn remembrance of a historic tragedy and a vibrant call for unity and action within the community.
The Event
The Majlis commenced promptly at 7:30 PM, hosted with profound reverence by Janab Ather Jafri, whose calm and dignified demeanor immediately established an atmosphere of solemnity and respect. His warm yet measured welcome signaled the gravity of the occasion, preparing the attendees for an evening of spiritual reflection and collective mourning.
The evening opened with a deeply moving recitation of Hadis-e-Kisa by Zain Karbalae, each word carefully enunciated to evoke the sacredness of the moment. Following this poignant start, the program transitioned into a series of Salaam presentations, delivered by an impressive lineup of renowned poets and scholars: Janab Hur Jaffri, Syed Mir Yousuf, Mesum Zaidi, Sajjad Zaidi, Dr. Zain Azmi, Munawar Ali Khan (Nomi), Mir Sajjad Mir, Mir Hussain Takalum, and Ustad Ul Shouhra Gohar Jarchevi. Each poet brought their unique voice to the stage, their verses a blend of eloquent mourning and heartfelt tribute. The poetry lamented the destruction of Jannat Al Baqee while exalting the enduring legacy of the Ahl al-Bayt.
The mood shifted to an even deeper intensity with the Sozkhwani performed by Janab Izhar Hussain Fatehpuri. His mournful poetry, delivered in a melodic yet piercing tone, seemed to pierce the hearts of everyone present. The place grew still, except for the occasional stifled sob, as the attendees internalized the weight of his words.
Next, the program featured a stirring Khitabat by Sultan-ul-Shouhra Shair-e-Alay Imran Janab Shoukat Raza Shoukat, a speaker known for his eloquence and passion. His address explored the historical and spiritual significance of Jannat Al Baqee, detailing its role as the resting place of key figures in Islamic history. With a commanding presence, Janab Shoukat Raza Shoukat traced the events leading to its destruction in 1926, framing it as a wound still felt by the faithful today. His delivery was scholarly and impassioned, weaving facts with calls to action. He urged the audience to advocate for its restoration, presenting it as a shared responsibility that transcended generations. His words ignited a sense of purpose, leaving the listeners educated and galvanized to uphold the cause.
The evening reached its emotional crescendo with the Nohakhwani, a series of lamentations performed by several esteemed groups: Anjuman-e-Azadaran-e-Makhdum-e-Konain, Anjuman-e-Sajjadia Malir, Markazi Sangat Dasta-e-Al Abbas, Anjuman-e-Noujawan-e-Buturab, Anjuman-e-Ghulaman-e-Ahlebait, and Sangat Azadar he Azadar. These groups took turns filling the Imambargah with their soul-stirring recitations, their voices rising in unison to express the community's collective grief. The rhythmic chants, accompanied by the maatam, echoed the anguish of historical injustices while reinforcing the attendees’ unity and resolve.
The conclusion
The night concluded on an unexpected and unforgettable note with the arrival of Janab Mir Hassan Mir, a celebrated figure whose presence had been uncertain due to flight delays from abroad. Making it just in time at the eleventh hour, he stepped in, to a wave of excitement and relief from the audience. Despite the brevity of his Naohakhwani, Mir Hassan Mir’s recitation was nothing short of mesmerizing. His voice, laced with both strength and vulnerability, brought the tragedy of Jannat Al Baqee to life in a way that felt intensely personal.
The crowd hung on his every word, their applause erupting in the form of thunderous echoes of maatam to elevate the evening to an extraordinary close. His unexpected appearance gave the finale a deeply moving conclusion, capping an event that had powerfully blended mourning with reflection and reverence.
Ashhar Mehdi’s Leadership and Gratitude
Ashhar Mehdi (Representative Baqee Organization, USA) took the stage to personally thank the attendees, acknowledging each guest by name in a heartfelt gesture of appreciation. He urged the community to join the Al Baqee movement, saying, "We must unite and attend in large numbers wherever there’s an event in the name of Al Baqee. This is our shared responsibility." His call to action resonated, as evidenced by the crowd’s sustained engagement.
Venue and Atmosphere
Held at Imam Bargah Shohada-e-Karbala, a site dedicated to Karbala’s martyrs, the venue’s spiritual weight amplified the event’s message. Images depicted a vibrant yet spiritual setting, with ornate decorations, purple banners bearing "Demolished in Medina, Rebuild Baqee Now" and festive lights illuminating the night. The public’s enthusiasm was palpable, with hands raised in solidarity and attendees recording the proceedings, reflecting a dynamic, participatory atmosphere.
Ashhar Mehdi thanking the guests & participants
Al Baqee volunteers
Imam Bargah Shohda-e-Karbala, Ancholi, Karachi
A large banner fluttering in the soft breeze reading Rebuild Baqee Now with strings of lights
A large gathering of attendees doing maatam on the Naohakhwani
Ustad Us Shoara Janab Gohar Jarchevi
Crowd bursting into Naraay e Hyderi at the recitation of poetry in praise of Ahl Al Bayt (as)
A nighttime gathering with an LED screen displaying Baqee visuals
Tabarruk being served by volunteers highlighting the scale and outreach of the event.
Shayar-e-Imam Zaman(aj) Janab Mir Hussain Takalum
Sultan-ul-Shoara Shair-e-Alay Imran Janab Shoukat Raza Shoukat
Shayar-e-Ahlebait(as) Janab Mir Sajjad Mir
Sozkhwani by Janab Izhar Fatehpuri
Naohakhwani and Maatam
Participants using VR Headsets to get the immersive experience of watching events of Baqee
A volunteer in a purple vest reading "Baqee Volunteer" serves the people
Immersive VR Experience: Bringing Jannat Al Baqee to Life
A standout feature of the Majlis was the introduction of an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) presentation that brought the history and significance of Jannat Al Baqee directly to the attendees. Positioned in a dedicated booth within the venue, with participants using VR headsets, this innovative experience allowed individuals to virtually step into the sacred cemetery as it stood before its demolition in 1926. Equipped with modern VR headsets, attendees explored the serene landscape dotted with the graves of the Prophet’s family and companions, followed by a stark depiction of its destruction, leaving a lasting impression of the loss.
Guided by volunteers in purple vests, the VR station offered a hands-on journey that complemented the evening’s recitations and speeches. Participants expressed awe at the vivid visuals, with one attendee noting in tears, "It was like walking through history—I could feel the pain of the tragedy." This VR presentation deepened the emotional connection to the cause and showcased the Al Baqee Organization’s forward-thinking approach, merging technology with tradition to educate and inspire the community.
The Majlis e Aza in Karachi was a testament to the enduring significance of Jannat Al Baqee, blending mourning with a proactive call for justice. The Majlis, supported by Al Baqee volunteers, fostered a united front, with the public’s engagement lasting until the end. As the 102nd anniversary fades, the movement persists.