MUMBAI, India: Azadari of Imam Hussain (AS) at mosques and imam badas across the city during the current month of Muharram is drawing thousands. Speakers in their speeches highlighting the philosophy of Imam (AS) qayam and depict sufferings of the Chief of Martyrs.

Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar which began on November 27, is the month when the Prophet's grandson Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 companions were martyred in the burning desert of Karbala in 7th century by Ummayid King Yazid.

"I'm trying to dispel misunderstandings about Islam, the need to be tolerant in a multicultural society like India and avoid sectarian conflicts," said Maulana Mirza Mohammed Athar, the Shia scholar who has delivered annual Muharram lectures at the Irani Mosque, also called the Mughal Masjid in Dongri for the last 53 years.

Mirza Athar has the unique distinction of not missing a single Muharram majlis at the masjid for the last half century and has even entered the Limca Book of records for this feat.