KABUL - The holy day of Ashura was not only a day of religious observance for Muslims; Afghan politicians used it as a platform to deliver a political message inspired by the actions of Imam Hussain.

The political leaders noted the philosophy of Imam Hussian – the historical figure whose death is commemorated by Ashura – as one which fought against corruption in the government, and called on those present to do the same.

"Fighting against corruption, injustice and violence: this in fact is the commitment that we honor this day of Ashura," Mayor of Kabul Mohammad Younus Now Andish said in his address in Kabul.

In the seventh century, Hussain – a grandson of the prophet Mohammad – and his followers rose up against their ruler, the caliph Yazid, for the inequality and corruption of his government. Ashura commemorates the Hussein's death at the hands of Yazid's army in 680 AD near Karbala (present-day Iraq).

"It's our duty to learn new lessons in each year of the ceremony of Ashura for the service of the people," Minister of Information and Culture Sayed Makhdoom Rahin said.

Leader of the National Coalition party Abdullah Abdullah urged the crowd at the Ashura ceremony to continue to engage in the political process, saying that only their efforts will ensure a fair and transparent election in 2014.

The government will respond to the pressure applied by the people and the civil society, Abdullah said, and warned that violations of the law by top government officials will lead to a backlash and aggression from the citizens.

"Rulers should know and should accept that ignoring people and not listening to them, playing with people's fate – the heroic and mujahid people of Afghanistan will not allow this," he said.

Lawmaker Qurban Ali Erfani addressed the controversial matter of President Hamid Karzai's recent approval to execute 14 prisoners in two days last week, saying the security of society allowed for it.

"If the divine laws are enforced in Afghanistan, there will be no kidnapping, no stealing, no crimes, and no murders. Since the Quran says life is found in implementing religion and justice, that is what society's security depends on," he said. (Tolo News)