Imam Hussain

Muharram the first month of Islamic calendar reminds us of the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the second grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and his companions. It also reminds us of unprecedented courage, perseverance and steadfastness in the face of the most excruciating circumstances. On the day of Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, Imam Hussain’s own person was surrounded by his enemies after many of his companions were martyred. But he refused to bow before the forces of evil. He was cruelly mutilated, and his sacred head was cut off while he was saying his prayer. A mad orgy of triumph was celebrated over his body. In this crisis, we have details of what took place hour by hour. He had 45 wounds from the enemies’ swords and javelins, and 35 arrows pierced his body. His left arm was cut off, and a javelin pierced through his chest. After all that agony, when his head was lifted up on a spear, his face was the placid face of a man of God. All the men of that gallant band were martyred and their bodies trampled under feet of the horses. The only male survivor was a child, Hussain’s son Zain-ul-’Abidin - “The Glory of the Devout.” He lived in retirement, studying, interpreting, and teaching his father’s high spiritual principles for the rest of his life. There were women: for example, Zainab the sister of the Imam, Sakina his little daughter, and Shahr Bano, his wife, at Karbala. A great deal of literature, in prose and poems, has been produced describing the touching scenes in Karbala. There are numerous traditions, recorded by many historians, which indicate the great love and affection the Holy Prophet had for his grandsons. According to one tradition, the Holy Prophet declared that Hasan and Hussain were the “Princes of the Youth of Paradise.” Prophet Muhammad (S.A.w.) took his grandsons with him, along with his daughter Fatima and son-in-law Hazrat Ali (A.S.) to face the challenge of the Christian delegation from Najrain, which had come to dispute with the Holy Prophet about his divine mission. The Christians were awe-struck at the sight of the Holy Prophet and his family, and withdrew the challenge. This event became known as Mubahila, and is recorded in the Holy Qur’an in chapter 3 verse 61. Though many intellectuals and scholars have written hundreds of books narrating the courage, bravery, perseverance and sacrifice of Imam Hussain, but the way Allama Iqbal has highlighted in his poetry, it has no parallel. Allama Iqbal while telling the world about Imam Hussain’s lofty stature wrote: “Imam Hussain was trained and groomed by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) himself”. He explained that Imam Hussain fought authoritarian and repressive regime, and taught the world how to bravely face authoritarian and repressive regime. Non-Muslims have also paid tributes to Imam Hussain. Charles Dickens wrote: “If Hussain fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam.” Thomas Carlyle said: “The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Hussain and his companions were the rigid believers of God. They illustrated that numerical superiority does not count when it comes to truth and falsehood. The victory of Hussain despite his minority marvels me”. It is obligatory for all Muslims to lead their lives according to Qur’an and Sunnah, and those who have given practical demonstration and interpretation of Qur’an. Imam Hussain is, indeed, a symbol of the resistance, and Muslims throughout the world should emulate him and fight the diabolical forces that are out to demonize Islam and denigrate Muslims. Today, Muslims are being killed in Kashmir, Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq. Unfortunately, Muslim world faces leadership crisis, and there is none that could counter the machinations of imperialist countries. The problem is that Muslim world is divided, and most rulers are subservient to the sole super power, as they need its support to remain at the helm. It is obligatory on the part of rich countries to help poor countries so that Ummah is strengthened to face the challenges thrown by yahood-o-nahood. Muslims belonging to all sects must show respect to each other and be tolerant of others’ views, otherwise enemies of Islam would take advantage and create fissures and divisions in their ranks. Though Arab countries and Iran have differences over fiqah, but they should learn to coexist, as they are bound by great religion Islam and its culture.