By Zahid hussain
The principles of Imam Hussain (as) became an approach to every human being who want to take his rights from oppressors. Imam Husain(as) left a remarkable impact over those who want to save humanity from various kinds of evil, aggression, injustice, slavery, state corruption, individual lusts and many more inhuman activities . Imam Hussain bin Ali, the martyr of Karbala, forever demarcated the truth from falsehood. Before heading to Karbala for a decisive battle against the tyrant Yazid bin Muawiya, Imam Hussain said, “Surely the aim of my stand is not inspired by vain exultation and it is also not for the quest of kingdom, neither is it to cause dissension and corruption nor is it to wrong anybody unjustly I have risen as I seek to reform the ummah of my grandfather[Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)].” These words of Imam are enough in themselves to prove that his stand was neither for the lust of power nor for any personal gain. It was to safeguard the religion of his grandfather from the clutches of Yazid, who was hell-bent on distorting the real picture of the religion.
Imam Hussain did what no other would do.He gave up his home, own life, and entire family for a message. It is the message of humanity, peace, justice the message of Islam . It is the message that inspired all of humanity with divinity. Imam Hussain’s revolution was aimed at saving the people from corruption, humiliation, mortification and ignorance. Imam Hussain’s martyrdom has given voices to the voiceless. His sacrifice was the ultimate level of tolerance and non-violence in which after losing every one of his companions and his family members he stood firm on the path of righteousness. We remember him because he is worth remembering. We remember him because it’s the way of Imam Husain only through which long lasting justice can be achieved.
While addressing the enemies in Karbala, the Imam said, “If you do not have religion, at least be a free man in your life of this world.” It’s a wonderful saying because a free man can differentiate between good and evil more easily than a biased one. For a world engulfed with continuous violence and bloodshed, the message of Imam Hussain acts as a beacon of hope
One of the beautiful lessons that mankind can get from the Karbala is forgiveness. When imam Hussain and his companions were heading towards Karbala he was being stopped by Hurr , the first commander to surround Imam Hussain but when he was regretting his action, he asked Imam Hussain if his repentance would be accepted. The Imam told him that it is never too late to repent. Hurr joined Imam Hussain’s camp and was honored by being one of the first martyrs. Imam Hussain did not hesitate once when Hurr realized his mistake and sought repentance. Imagine any of us in a situation one tenth as bad as that of Imam Hussain (as). Would we be willing to forgive so easily.
The reason behind Imam Hussain’s revolution as stated by him, was to revive the Islamic Sharia (law) and Prophet’s Sunnah (tradition). He led the revolution to uphold the rights and dignity of mankind and revitalize the ethical code which was waning. He was aware of the fact that if he shook hands with Yazid, he would be condemned by the history and if he denied it, his revolution would teach the lesson of humanity, heroism, and liberty to the world.
The way Imam Hussain and his Companions fought was a glorious record of bravery and nobility. They were only seventy-two fighting against thousands of the enemies. Even with this imbalance of fighting power, the tyrant army used the most vicious and dishonorable methods in fighting this tiny army of imam Hussain. The tyrant goes to the extent of preventing them drinking water and kept them for three days tortured in the burning heat of the desert. However, the firm faith of Imam Hussain and his followers in their cause was never shaken.
Despite the harnessing and difficult conditions in Karbala imam Hussain and his companions stand firm on the path of righteousness and imam Hussain still used to give lessons of truthfulness. Imam Hussain said to his companions in Karbala : “Don’t you see that truth has been replaced by falsehood? We must be prepared to sacrifice everything that is precious in support of Truth!” Truth is the essence of Islam and fortifies the values emphasized in the Holy Qur’an. Hazrat Ali Akbar (son of Imam Hussain) asked his father: “Are we not on the right path?” The Imam replied in the affirmative. Hazrat Ali Akbar then said: “Then, it makes no difference if death comes to us or if we approach to death.”
In conclusion, the message of Karbala is to be righteous always even if you are alone. Karbala is an ever continuing movement against terrorism and tyranny. The blood spilled in Karbala will always be the spark in the heart of every free man to raise his voice against cruelty, to accentuate integrity and to prioritize humanity.
Zahid hussain can be reached at zahidhussain1700@gmail.com
