Joint namaaz by Shia-Sunni sects to promote brotherhood in Lucknow

Lucknow: Shia and Sunni sects of the Muslim community on Friday offered a joint 'namaaz' on the occasion of Eid-ul-Zuha at the historic Sibtainabad Imambara here today, in an attempt to put an end to the decades of sectarian tension between them.

Noted Shia cleric and vice president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Kalbe Sadiq attended the prayers during which devotees of both the sects offered prayers deviating from the earlier tradition of doing so separately.

The prayers are an outcome of unique citizen-driven initiative through social media called 'Shoulder to Shoulder' (S2S) aimed at spreading the message of universal brotherhood.

"What can I say when brothers are embracing each other... all rifts and differences are over...This is my message if we come together and embrace each other like this all misunderstandings will be resolved...," Sadiq said at the Imambara.

Though Lucknow boasts of rich cultural, linguistic, architectural and culinary heritage, it is also infamous for sectarian strife.

Clashes between Shias and Sunnis are common in the Old City areas here especially during the month of Moharram, often leading to violence.

Buoyed by the joint Shia-Sunni namaaz held in New Delhi last Eid, the city youth launched the campaign for a similar event here.