ملتان وچ عزاداری دی روایت

THE TRADITION OF MOURNING (AZADARI) IN MULTAN

Abstract

Multan is considered one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world. It holds great religious significance. After the tragic event of Karbala in Islamic history, the importance of Azadari (mourning rituals) became evident. The great city of the Indus Valley, Multan, has always been known for the deep love and reverence its people have for the family of the Prophet (Ahl-e-Bait). From the early days of Islam, the people of Multan have been recognized for their closeness to the Prophet’s family due to this devotion.Because of their love and loyalty to the family of the Prophet, some residents of Multan were even accepted into the service of the noble descendants (Sadat). During the tragedy of Karbala, one of the wives of Imam Zain-ul-Abideen is said to have endured the hardships of captivity along with the family of the Prophet.The tradition of Azadari in Multan began soon after the event of Karbala, and it continues to this day. The art of elegy (Marsiya) in Multan and in the native language, Saraiki, also began around the time of Karbala. According to one tradition, shortly after the tragedy, a wife of Imam Zain-ul-Abideen—believed to be from Sindh (Multan)—offered her condolences in the Saraiki language. Imam Zain-ul-Abideen responded with a prayer that the mention of the Sadat in her language would continue until the end of time. It is believed that this prayer is the reason the remembrance of the Prophet’s family continues in the Saraiki language to this day.Keywords: Azadari, Multan, Family of the Prophet, Event of Karbala, Mourning in Multan, Tradition of Azadari