Lucknow :

Organised during Muharram, the Majlis or religious gathering serves as a reminder of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his 72 followers at the battlefield of Karbala. For women orators or zakiras addressing these gatherings, however, the majlis is increasingly evolving as a platform to espouse the cause of women’s rights and empowerment.

Taaj Bano, a zakira, considers her responsibility to educate azaadars (those who lament the death of Imam Hussain) that there is much more to a majlis than just the narration of atrocities faced by Imam Hussain.

“The ruthless battle of Karbala gives a strong message to the women of today teaching them how to live a life of dignity, understand their rights and duties by following the footsteps of Bibi Zainab, who despite all odds stood up against the tyrant ruler Yazeed,” said Bano, who has been addressing majlis since she was four.

In the bylanes of Raqabganj, zakira Massarat Fatima is deeply concerned over the increasing number of divorce cases. This year, she addressed azaadars on what should be the ideal the character of a mother and wife.

“The pious character of Bibi Fatima Zehra who never made any demand from her husband Hazrat Imam Ali initiated the nuances of Islamic studies in me,” she added.

Being a zakira is a matter of pride for Dr Naseem Subhi Rizvi who feels that a woman must receive the highest degree of worldly knowledge by seeking education in top most universities but remain close to her religion.

“Hadees (sayings of Prophet Mohammad) recited during majlis teaches working women to strike a balance between office and household chores,” she said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Uzma Talha, TNN / November 03rd, 2014