The Truth of Karbala: ‘Sacrifice for Right ’
Battle of Karbala reminds us that Hussain (A.S) refused allegiance to a corrupt and tyrant ruler because he saw the moral values of his society being destroyed
Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: O’ Zurarah! The sky had cried for forty days over (the martyrdom of) Hussain (A.S) Mustadrakal‑Wasail, vol. 1 pg. 391.
Mujeeb Ali Samo
The land of Karbala is known today because of the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (a.s). This is the land which is most visited in the world. All the people of faith other than the Hypocrite come to pay homage to the Imam Hussain (a.s) – he may be Muslim, Christian, Hindu or people of other religion. Humanity mourns the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s) and his family.
Undoubtedly, Imam Hussain (a.s) is the most discussed and loved personality of the world. Every peaceful person is sobbing and his eyes are weeping and giving a loud call Laib-Ya- Hussain, Laib-Ya-Hussain. Every street, road and Imam Bargaha is full with the followers of Imam Hussain (a.s). They are busy cooking a Naiz-e-Hussain and distributing it as Tabbaruk, and quenching the thirst of passer-by momineen with cold water and in addition with sweet red and milk mixed water. This act of stalling a tent is to serve fresh and cold water to the thirsty person which is called a Sabeel-e-Hussain. Sabeel is a stall set up to supply drinkable water. Why? Because, Imam Hussain (a.s) and his family were kept thirsty for three day before he was martyred with perched lips and dry tongue. In his memory, Shias establish these sabeels so that people on their way to processions or majlis do not get thirsty. All these practices are performed to please the Imam Hussain (a.s).
On the beginning of every first of Muharram, the followers of imam Hussain (a.s) wear the black dress which is the symbol of sorrow and hoist the Gazi (Alam Pak) as identification. The Alam Pak, which means flag, is considered a sacred symbol for Shia Muslims because it is associated with Imam Hussain’s (a.s) brother Hazrat Abbas (a.s), the flag-bearer of Banu Hashim. Alam Pak is taken out during majalis and processions.
Every year thousands of followers go to the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s) with a hope to pay the homage and commemorate the sacred sacrifice given in the name of Allah and save the religion Islam. His (Imams) followers across the globe mourn the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) grandson Imam Hussain (a.s), who was martyred brutally along with 72 of his closest companions, in Karbala, Iraq, in 680 AD. The tragedy of Karbala took place some 1400 years ago but it is mourned as if it has happened today.
Each eye is sobbing today for the brutal treatment of Yazid-ibn-Muuaywah to Imam Hussain (a.s). Imam Hussain was most loved by the holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). There is a hadith of Holy Prophet (pbuh) that says, “These two – Hassan & Hussain are the swords of the heavens.” Prophet also stated that, “Hussain O Minni Wa Ana Minal Hussain”. It means, “Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain.” At another place Prophet says, “May Allah keep him as a friend who keeps Hussain (a.s) as his friend.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 3800, Vol. 5, Page 429]
When the Yazid Ibn Muaywah asked for allegiance to his foul kingdom, Imam Hussain (a.s) defied. Yazid turned disappointed and felt defeated. Yazid and his tyrant force in total vengeance mistreated Imam Hussain (a.s) and the Ahl al- Bait. Hussain (a.s) was true to his faith and accepted martyrdom along with his entire family. He safeguarded the Islam from tyrant rule of Yazid, accepted the martyrdom of one after another son of Ali (a.s) but never took oath of allegiance to Yazid. The Karbala is marked as the battle of vengeance. But, in a real sense, this tragedy of Karbala is a fight of just and unjust. Imam Hussain (a.s) is the symbol of just, right, and peace and so on. On the other side Yazid is unjust, cruel, unfair and foul.
Humanity is bemoaning today that son of Imam Ali (a.s) and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is ruthlessly murdered by the Muslims of that time. Though, he was innocent and true to his faith. Karbala has taught us the message that Hussain (a.s) refused to pledge allegiance to a corrupt leader because he saw the moral values of his society being destroyed under the corrupt leadership of a tyrant.
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The Writer is a columnist and social activist.
