All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi on Saturday, 27 June said that the 10-day observance of Muharram concluded without incident across Uttar Pradesh, attributing the peaceful conduct to the law-and-order arrangements put in place by the state government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The remarks came from Bareilly, a city with significant religious significance in the region.

What Razvi Said

'The festival of Muharram went really well. The ten days of Muharram were very peaceful, and everything passed off smoothly,' Razvi said. He added that no untoward situation arose in either Uttar Pradesh or Uttarakhand, noting that there was no need to cut electricity wires or trees — a common logistical challenge during processions involving tall tazias.

'This all happened because Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath maintained law and order. I want to thank the government and the police officials who made all the necessary arrangements,' he said.

Political Dig at Akhilesh Yadav

Razvi also took a pointed swipe at Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. 'If Akhilesh Yadav had been in power, violent incidents would have taken place,' he alleged. The remarks reflect the ongoing political contest over the Muslim community's confidence in law-enforcement across successive state administrations. Razvi's comments, notably, come from a prominent Islamic clerical figure whose endorsement carries weight beyond electoral politics.

Muharram Observed Across India

Muharram was observed across the country this year, with devotees participating in religious processions, mourning gatherings, and commemorative prayer meetings. The month holds deep significance in Islam as the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months during which warfare is traditionally forbidden — the word 'Muharram' itself means 'forbidden' in Arabic.

The observance centres on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), in the Battle of Karbala. Mourning processions, majlis (religious gatherings), and acts of remembrance are held across India and globally during this period.

Significance of the Islamic New Year

The first day of Muharram also marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The Hijri calendar is lunar, with each month beginning upon the sighting of the new moon. While no specific acts of worship are prescribed for New Year's Day in Islamic tradition, many Muslims use the occasion to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the early Muslim community.

With Muharram passing peacefully in one of India's most populous and religiously diverse states, the administration's security arrangements will be closely studied ahead of other upcoming religious observances.