Iconography of Karbala

The following pictures are from a procession taken out in remembrance of the Karbala tragedy on the eve of Ashura in Karachi on Wednesday. Dawn.com takes a look at the various symbols prevalent in Muharram processions in Pakistan. Feature by Salman Siddiqui. Photos by WhiteStar/Fahim Siddiqi.

Zuljenah is the name given to Imam Hussain’s horse, which according to Shia believers, stayed by his side until the very end. Artist Naheed Raza also uses Buraaq, the half-woman, half-horse creature in her paintings, which according to Islamic tradition Prophet Mohammad rode upon during his journey to the heavens. The Buraaq in Pakistani art is similar to the Zuljinah, Imam Hussain’s horse, in the sense that both are usually depicted making an ascent towards the skies. Another artist Anjum Ayaz says that there appears to be no clear distinction between the two horses in our art scene.