Introduction
The Karbala Mola Matam is a centuries-old tradition in Rohri, Sindh, deeply rooted in Sindhi Ashura traditions and Shia mourning practices. This ritual, centered around the Ta'zieh (a replica of Imam Hussain’s shrine), honors the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. In this article, we delve into the historical origins, key figures such as Syed Mor Shah and Syed Haider Shah Haqani, and the scholarly analysis of this significant Rohri Muharram ritual.
Historical Accounts of Karbala-Related Observances
Karbala Mola Matam
In the city of Rohri, from ancient times to the present day, replicas of shrines known as Ta'zieh are carried during the first ten days of Muharram. Among these, the oldest and most revered is the Karbala Mola Matam. The custodian of this tradition was Syed Muhammad Sharif Rizvi, widely known as Syed Mor Shah.
Syed Mur Shah’s devotion to Imam Hussain (AS), the Imam of Love, was so profound that he was granted the replica of Karbala. This historical model, named after the sacred tragedy of Karbala, is attributed to Imam Hussain (AS) himself. Though simple in architecture, it reflects remarkable engineering precision and commemorates the first structure built over the Imam’s (AS) grave.
Following the battle of Ashura, the martyrs’ bodies remained unburied on the plains of Karbala. The next day, the Banu Asad tribe buried the martyrs, while Imam Zain al-Abidin (AS) interred Imam Hussain (AS) through divine intervention. Tradition holds that the Banu Asad erected date-palm branches over the Imam’s grave, adorned with scattered weapons (shields, swords, arrows) a design mirrored in the Rohri replica. Although this initial structure was short-lived, Imam Hussain (AS) cherished it deeply, bestowing its eternal blueprint upon the devoted Syed Mur Shah, thus preserving it through the ages.
Tradition of the Matam’s Origin
The story of Syed Mur Shah receiving "Karbala," its construction in Rohri, and its emergence is a mutawatir (widely transmitted) tradition, known to all residents of Rohri Sunni and Shia alike. This oral history has been passed down through generations, reflecting its deep cultural significance in Shia mourning Sindh.
Approximately 30 years ago (circa 1975), Mian Ali Gohar Musani, an elder from the prominent Mussani family key participants in Rohri Muharram rituals published an article titled 9th Muharram in Rohri" in the newspaper Panjtani. Below is a summary of his account, followed by a critical historical analysis.
Musani’s Account
About 400 years ago, a dervish named Syed Mor Shah resided in Rohri. Accompanied by Khbeṛ Faqir of Mando Kheṛ, he made annual pilgrimages on foot to the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS) in Karbala. As age weakened him, these journeys grew taxing. During one such trip, Imam Hussain (AS) appeared to them, saying:
"Your visits are accepted, but you are now frail. Return home; We shall come to you. An Iraqi Faqir will arrive to prepare Our resting place (mimbar)."
The dervishes returned to Rohri and awaited the promised Faqir. Soon, an Iraqi dervish arrived and was hosted by Syed Mor Shah. As Muharram neared, the Faqir requested materials to construct the Ta'zieh. By the 9th of Muharram, the replica was complete. As it was finished, a radiant light descended from the sky, revealing the luminous visage of Imam Hussain (AS). Overcome with reverence, mourners hoisted the replica onto their shoulders. Kabbir Faqir requested the procession pass through Mando Kheṛ, a wish that was fulfilled.
Along the route, Syed Noor Mola Shah paid homage. Further ahead, at the sanctuary of Syed Haider Shah Haqani a spiritual figure noted in Tuhfat al-Kiram (p. 314) the Imam’s (AS) lament of "Ya Hussain!" moved the ascetic and his family to join the procession, despite his strict adherence to prayer times. Haider Shah requested the replica remain at his sanctuary overnight on the 10th of Muharram, a request that was honored.
Meanwhile, Syed Noor Mola Shah introduced two additional replicas for Hazrat Qasim (AS) and Hazrat Ali Akbar (AS). The processions converged at Dhikko Bazaar, where the replicas were lowered and carried by hand. At Bakharī Shāh’s shrine, the three replicas reunited. After a symbolic separation at "Wichhora" (Separation Point), only Imam Hussain’s (AS) replica proceeded to Haider Shah’s sanctuary, reflecting the topography of Karbala.
Key Points from the Tradition
1. Syed Mor Shah lived in Rohri approximately 400 years ago.
2. His companion was Kabbir Faqir of Mando Kheṛ.
3. They traveled annually to Karbala until old age intervened.
4. Imam Hussain (AS) appeared, halting their journeys.
5. An Iraqi Faqir constructed the replica, and Imam (AS) manifested within it on the 9th of Muharram.
6. Syed Noor Mola Shah and Syed Haider Shah Haqani participated in the procession.
7. Replicas for Hazrat Qasim (AS) and Hazrat Ali Akbar (AS) were later added.
Critical and Historical Analysis
Musani’s 1975 article suggests the Matam began around 1586 CE (995 AH). However, alternative claims propose 1519 CE (926 AH) or 1572 CE (980 AH). The timeline hinges on Syed Haider Shah Haqani (d. 1039 AH/1630 CE), whom some believe witnessed the Matam’s inception.
Key Figures
- Syed Haider Shah Haqani (b. ~907–912 AH/1501–1506 CE; d. 1039 AH/1630 CE): A revered spiritual figure, his involvement is cited as evidence of the Matam’s antiquity, though no contemporary records confirm this.
- Syed Mur Shah: Historical records place him alive in 1025 AH/1616 CE (as a minor) and 1095 AH/1684 CE. Ties to his in-laws, such as Mir Bozurg (martyred 1066 AH/1656 CE), suggest he was born during Emperor Jahangir’s reign (1605–1627 CE) and lived into Aurangzeb’s era (d. 1707 CE).
- Syed Noor Mola Shah: Likely active in the late 18th to early 19th century during the Kalhora/Talpur periods.
Conclusion
The Karbala Mola Matam most likely emerged in the late 17th century (late 11th century AH) during Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s reign. Syed Mor Shah received the replica in his later years (~1684 CE), after Haider Shah’s death (1630 CE). Discrepancies in dating arise from gaps in oral transmission. Thus, the tradition is approximately 340 years old, not 400–500 years, making it a vital yet nuanced part of Sindh’s devotional heritage.
References & Books
References
Wikipedia: Muharram
Book: Tuhfat al-Kiram by Ali Sher Qani Thattvi (1773 CE).
Article: "Mian Ali Gohar Musani, "9th Muharram in Rohri," Panjtani Newspaper (1975).
Oral histories of Rohri.
Shajra-e-Rizvi Sadaat (Genealogy of Rizvi Syeds).
The Nation: Procession with historic Zareeh taken out in Rohri
Al-Islam.org - Karbala History
YouTube @karbala-rohri
Book: Rohri’s three and a half glorious centuries. "روهڙي جون ساڍيون ٽي سو رائتيون صديون" By: Sayed Abdul Hussain Musavi
Book Recommendation: The Tragedy of Karbala by Maulana Muhammad Taqi
Photo Credit: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi Location: Shafquat Hussain Shah Musavi Road
Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi
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