The martyrdom of Husain signifies the victory of religion over
heathenism, good over evil, truth over falsehood, and spirit over matter.
-Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
The love and affection that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had for his grandsons, Imam Hassan and Imam Husain (peace be upon them), was not ordinary. It was deep, spiritual, and imbued with divine wisdom. He openly expressed this love in front of his companions and repeatedly reminded them of the lofty status of his Ahl al-Bayt. In the well-known Hadith al-Thaqalayn, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“I am leaving behind two weighty things for you: the Book of Allah and my family. If you hold fast to them, you will never go astray. “He would carry his grandsons on his shoulders, kiss them, and declare, “Whoever loves them loves me, and whoever hates them hates me.” This profound affection inspired the companions to honor Imam Hassan and Imam Husain with great reverence. Abu Bakr (RA) joyfully lifted Hassan on his shoulders, while Umar (RA) ensured they received special stipends and gifts, even personally intervening on their behalf when needed. Historians record numerous incidents reflecting the unique status of these two princes of Islam. The Prophet’s deep concern for their future was evident when he wept upon learning from the angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) about the impending martyrdom of Husain in Karbala. Imam Ali (RA) too was moved to tears when he passed through the plains of Karbala, recalling the Prophet’s sorrowful foretelling. The birth of Hassan and Husain was celebrated by the entire Muslim community, who regarded them as divine blessings. As children, they were the delight of the Prophet’s heart, and companions eagerly surrounded them, embracing their innocence and spiritual presence. Their purity, wisdom, and connection to the Prophet (peace be upon him) earned them a special place not only among Muslims but also in the hearts of many non-Muslim thinkers. Imam Husain’s martyrdom at Karbala became a timeless symbol of truth triumphing over tyranny. His stand against Yazid’s oppressive regime was not a pursuit of power but a sacrifice to preserve justice and uphold the true spirit of Islam .His legacy inspired great Muslim mystics and scholars such as Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. It also moved the hearts of non-Muslims across the globe. Charles Dickens once questioned how anyone seeking worldly gain could risk his entire family. Sarojini Naidu praised Husain as an eternal symbol for all seekers of truth. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru rightly observed, “The martyrdom of Husain signifies the victory of religion over heathenism, good over evil, truth over falsehood, spirit over matter. “The legacy of Imam Hassan and Imam Husain (peace be upon them) remains a radiant example of love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to righteousness—an eternal light guiding humanity through the darkness of injustice and moral confusion. In today’s fractured world, where truth is often obscured and oppression is widespread, their lives serve as timeless models of principled leadership, compassion, and integrity.As the sacred month of Muharram approaches each year, millions around the world remember and mourn the sacrifice at Karbala—not merely as a historical event, but as a living, breathing call to conscience. It is a call to uphold justice, to speak truth to power, and to live with dignity. Imam Husain’s sacrifice teaches us that silence in the face of injustice is complicity. Though the path of truth may be painful, it is the only path that leads to eternal honor.His blood was not spilled in vain—it sowed the seeds of resistance, awakened sleeping souls, and stirred the conscience of the world for all time to come. The legacy of Imam Hassan and Imam Husain is not confined to the pages of history. It lives on in every heart that seeks justice, in every soul that resists tyranny, and in every voice that dares to speak the truth. Karbala was not just a battlefield—it was a lesson for humanity, a moral compass pointing us toward courage, faith, and unwavering commitment to divine principles. Let us not only mourn their martyrdom—let us live their message. As long as there are people who cherish truth over falsehood and justice over oppression, the message of Karbala will continue to echo through generations. In the end, the legacy of Imam Hassan and Imam Husain (peace be upon them) is a timeless reminder that truth may be tested, but it never dies. Their sacrifice was not just for a moment in history—it was for all of humanity, for all time. May we not only remember them, but strive to embody the values they lived and died for: justice, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher and columnist , can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com.
