Edmonton’s Shia Muslim community celebrates life of historic figure at Alberta legislature

Hundreds of people joined an annual walk commemorating the life and death of Imam Hussain at the Alberta legislature grounds Sunday morning.

Hussain is the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and is highly regarded by Shia Muslims.

“He was martyred in Karbala about 1,400 years ago,” Ahmed Kermalli, coordinator of the walk, said. “We commemorate this event because it’s very important to us.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "He was martyred in Karbala about 1,400 years ago," Ahmed Kermalli, coordinator of the walk, said. "We commemorate this event because it's very important to us."

The Walk of Honour aims to spread awareness of the Shia Muslim faith and describes Hussain’s important role in the Shia faith.

“It reminds us that as individuals, we should be kind to our community members, we should give back to our society,” Kermalli added.

The walk was a peaceful procession from the legislature to Churchill Square.

“We as human beings need reminders constantly,” Kermalli said. “We have to remember the person who stood up for justice like the way we celebrate different events in Canada like Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day – and this event is very important to us. It reminds us that we still have to stand up, promote justice and compassion.”

The event was organized by Edmonton’s All Shia Ithna-Asheri Community.